Valtteri Bottas Reflects on Military Service and Sniper Training
In a recent appearance on the Red Flags Podcast, Mercedes reserve driver Valtteri Bottas discussed his unique military training experience during his mandatory service in Finland from 2008 to 2009. Bottas, who completed his service in six months, recounted his role as a sniper, stating, "In six months of Finnish winter, I became a sniper." He further explained, "I was a good shot. That’s why they made me kind of a sniper."
The conversation, led by former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner, touched on the challenges of training in extreme conditions. Bottas noted the tough experiences, describing cold nights spent in the forest, which instilled a sense of resilience and teamwork: "You learn a lot about teamwork… You learn self-discipline for sure."
Completing conscription is mandatory for Finnish men over 18, and Bottas rose to the rank of lance corporal during his tenure, training at the Finnish Defence Forces Sports School in Lahti. Reflecting on his experiences, Bottas emphasized the personal growth achieved through military service, stating, "It makes a boy a man… having a warm and soft bed after some of the camps was a luxury."
Following his military service, Bottas made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2013 and later joined Mercedes in 2017, where he has since established himself as a key player alongside Lewis Hamilton.
