Valtteri Bottas Shares His Struggles with Depression and Eating Disorder
Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has opened up about his past struggles with depression and an eating disorder, while also highlighting the positive changes in mental health support within the sport. In a deeply personal essay titled “Born Crazy,” published ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, Bottas shared his journey through difficult times and how he managed to overcome them.
The Finnish driver’s essay, dated April 29, 2026, reveals a challenging period during his five seasons with Mercedes, where he felt pushed to the edge of depression. He admitted that at one point, he “hated racing.” Bottas joined Mercedes in 2017 from Williams, taking on the role of teammate to seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This position often meant he had to sacrifice his own track position to help Hamilton’s championship bids.
Reflecting on his time at Mercedes, particularly after a winless 2018 season, Bottas described a deep mental struggle. “I was definitely depressed and burnt out. I hated racing,” he wrote. “During that winter break before the 2019 season, I did not think that I was going to come back.”
The Turning Point
Bottas revealed that during that winter break, he made the decision to retire. However, a walk in the forest changed his perspective. “I walked in the deep snow for maybe three hours and I walked out of those woods with a completely different mindset.”
Early Struggles and the Pressure of Mercedes
Beyond the pressures of his Mercedes tenure, Bottas also disclosed an earlier two-year battle with an eating disorder, referencing the year 2014. The intense scrutiny and demands of Formula 1, combined with his support role for Hamilton, clearly took a toll on him.
Bottas expressed complex emotions about his time as Hamilton’s teammate. “To this day, I have complicated feelings about it. I don’t know how to answer when people ask me about it, because Lewis is an incredible driver and a friend,” he stated. “I have no bad blood with Mercedes … but the whole situation almost made me walk away from the sport.”
He also shared a moment when his then-wife asked if he feared the risks of racing. At the time, he was so detached that he told her, “‘No. If I die, I die.’”
A More Welcoming Environment in F1
Despite his personal hardships, Bottas believes the landscape for mental health in Formula 1 has improved significantly. Speaking in Miami Gardens, Fla., he acknowledged a broader shift in societal attitudes and communication, as reported by AP.
“The sport has changed a lot, the world has changed a lot,” Bottas commented on the improving support systems. “There’s better ways for people to communicate and share their issues, or anything from the past. It’s definitely a more welcoming environment for everyone in F1, but I think also the whole world.”
Key Points from Bottas’ Essay
- Depression and Burnout: Bottas faced severe depression and burnout during his time at Mercedes, which led him to consider retirement.
- Eating Disorder: He battled an eating disorder in 2014, highlighting the mental challenges of being an elite athlete.
- Support Role: As a teammate to Lewis Hamilton, Bottas often sacrificed his own performance to aid his teammate’s success.
- Mental Health Progress: Despite his struggles, Bottas acknowledges the positive changes in mental health support within Formula 1.
Bottas’ revelations underscore a growing openness within elite sports to address the mental well-being of its athletes. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support in high-pressure environments.
