'Deadly' Valtteri Bottas makes surprising military-background reveal!

12:08, 18 Jul

Updated: 15:29, 18 Jul

byToby Nixon

Valtteri Bottas has revealed his unexpected former job role during mandatory military service before becoming an F1 driver.

In his native Finland, mandatory military service is compulsory for those over the age of 18. On the Red Flags Podcast, the Finn revealed that he did six months of service during his junior racing career.

He explained to the hosts of the podcast (including former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner) briefly about his role as a sniper in the military.

"But in six months of Finnish winter, I became a sniper. I don't think 'scout' is the right word, but the one who goes behind or in between the enemy."

Bottas reveals he was a 'good shot' as he explains sniper role

He continued: "I was a good shot. That's why they made me kind of a sniper," he explained. "Like, I could kill you right now!" Bottas joked to the hosts when they asked if he had obtained special skills from his experience.

Just a few years after his service in 2013, Bottas secured a full-time F1 drive with Williams. He then moved to Mercedes in 2017, where he secured all 10 of his F1 victories. After leaving the Silver Arrows in 2021, he then joined Sauber before leaving at the end of 2024.

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Speaking to People.com about his service, Bottas stated that it changed him for the better.

“But to me, it makes a boy a man. That is kind of the transition for many people, and to me, it did exactly that. You definitely learn resilience. You learn a lot about teamwork. Because you need to work as a team when you're in extreme conditions or situations."

The Finn is yet to announce any F1 plans for the future, and currently acts as Mercedes' third driver. He recently completed tests in Jerez as well as show runs at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 10-time Grand Prix winner has also been rumoured to make an F1 return with Alpine to replace the floundering Franco Colapinto. However, it remains to be seen whether or not Bottas will rejoin the grid as a permanent driver.