Bottas trades flight for 350km bike ride to Singapore GP
After retiring early from the Bahrain Grand Prix, Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas is cycling 350 kilometers from the Sepang circuit to Singapore instead of flying with the rest of the team. The Finn aims to arrive by Thursday, when mandatory media duties are scheduled.
Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has chosen an unconventional way to reach the next round of the season, the Singapore Grand Prix. Rather than flying with the rest of his team, the Finn has set off on a 350-kilometer bicycle journey from the Sepang circuit in Malaysia to the Marina Bay street circuit in Singapore.
A disappointing race at Sepang
Bottas decided on the cycling trip after retiring early from Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix held at Sepang — the first Formula 1 race at that circuit since 2017. Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won the race.
Bottas started on worn soft-compound tyres but slid into the gravel on just the ninth lap, triggering a safety car and ending his race. Speaking afterward in a team debrief, he admitted he had taken a gamble, hoping the track would dry out faster, and felt it was worth trying the softer tyres, but ultimately made a mistake that ended his run. He apologized to the team for the outcome.
Heading south
Instead of flying to Singapore, Bottas began his multi-day endurance journey southward already on Sunday evening, heading toward the Marina Bay street circuit. He plans to cover the 350 kilometers in stages, aiming to arrive in Singapore by Thursday, when mandatory media sessions are scheduled. His unusual mode of travel has drawn widespread reaction from fans on social media.
In the current F1 championship standings, Bottas remains one of only three drivers yet to score points this season, alongside Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.
