It’s the end of an era at Mercedes this weekend as Valtteri Bottas departs at the end of Sunday’s race. The Finnish driver will be heading to Alfa Romeo for the 2022 campaign. 

While he’s disappointed to have missed out on the Drivers’ Championship, describing his exit as mixed feelings, the Finn could contribute to his fifth Constructors’ Championship with the team on Sunday. 

''Mixed feelings,'' he said.  

''Obviously when I joined the team in 2017, the only thing in my mind was to win the drivers' championship; that didn't happen.  

''But I need to look at the positives. I've grown so much as a driver and as a human being. I've learned so much with the team and we've actually achieved pretty cool things together.  

''There's many positives that I will definitely take on board.''

Bottas has taken ten wins and twenty pole positions during his five seasons with Mercedes and while admitting a driver can never feel totally pleased with everything, he believes his achievements will help him at Alfa Romeo.  

''I think in this sport you are never fully satisfied,'' he continued.

''In five years, like I said, I've achieved something and I'm sure that will help me in the future.'' 

Abu Dhabi helmet design and a message to you 💙@StiloOfficial design by @tiffanycromwell #VB77 #F1 #DankeMercedes@MercedesAMGF1 @MercedesBenz pic.twitter.com/6imIHfBJZ3

— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) December 9, 2021

Bottas’ Mercedes seat is going to be taken by George Russell next year. The 23-year-old departs Williams after three seasons on Sunday following a stunning season that included his first points in Hungary, a podium at Spa and two appearances in the top 3 in qualifying.  

Russell says he’ll be forever grateful to Williams for giving him his first opportunity to drive in F1 and how the team has improved him since the beginning of 2019. 

''I mean they gave me my first opportunity in Formula One which I have to be forever grateful for,'' he said. 

''But I think above all, mould me into a better all-round driver, helped me learn the technical side of the sport much more and develop my skills globally to become a greater Formula One driver.''

''But I guess above all is, similar to what Kimi said, you build these bonds and friendships with people and especially through the good times and even the tough times; you grow closer together with so many of your core group of people and that will last forever.'' 

These two have been my Performance & Race Engineers for three years. They only have to put up with me for one more weekend, so it feels like a good time to say: Andrew, James, thanks for everything. I wouldn't be the driver I am now without you. Let's go get it, one more time. 👊 pic.twitter.com/Y50oNNG0fT

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 9, 2021