Quotes from Valtteri Bottas

When I was 12 there was a big shift in mindset and I realised that if I want to get something out of it then I need to work hard and focus all my energy just for this sport and that's when I started training and taking things more seriously. I became a lot more self-critical and analysed the driving more and more, and that was when I was 12.

What we need to make sure we do as a team is build the quickest car on the grid - if we have the quickest car, we can do it!

If you work hard it's only a matter of time before things start to go right.

Sometimes it would be nice not to be recognizable!

My goals in the future is to not just be in Formula 1. I want to be really successful, World Champion, though I guess this is like everyone! But that is what I'm targeting.

We need to make sure F1 stays the quickest category of all, and GP2 is not that far away, so that's a little bit worrying.

I always remind myself the only thing that matters is I perform on track and that's all I need to do.

Improving, for me, is quite natural as I'm always critical of myself.

You never know. One point can make a difference in the end.

During my childhood my family risked a lot financially. They put every single penny they could into my racing and also their free time was completely compromised.

There were many things in my childhood I sacrificed: I started travelling quite young, compromising school in terms of learning and time with friends doing normal stuff as a kid you want to do. But obviously I wouldn't change a day.

Let me tell you something, never, ever give up your dream.

For sure, some things have changed with the way I feel about things, like my mindset and everything. But you always learn every year about your mindset and what works for you.

All the questions, all the speculation, No. 2 driver and so on, it doesn't get to me. It doesn't matter.

It was when I first tried a go-kart in '96. I saw a go-kart race locally, and that got me excited about it, and I wanted to try one. When I got to try one, I just loved the speed and after that it became more about how to improve the lap time and all the details and that.

I can be nice - I don't need to be rude for no reason.

There are many people around me, supporting me. There are always ups and downs, and you can really see the true support quite easily.

I studied to be a car mechanic. That was my plan B. Servicing cars and changing tyres in Finland.

Finns love if their athletes do well, then they support.

I have found for me, and it should be the same for everybody, that it is easiest just to be how you are. Be the true you and there is no need to act differently. It has always been like that.