Valtteri Bottas cycles 350km from Malaysia to Singapore GP

Valtteri Bottas opted to reach the Singapore Grand Prix by cycling 350 kilometers from Malaysia instead of taking a flight, alongside professional cyclist Tiffany Cromwell, bbc.co.uk reported.

Bottas Swaps Driver Seat for Gravel Saddle

The 37-year-old Formula 1 driver began his endurance trek just hours after spinning out of the chaotic Bahrain Grand Prix, which ran as a one-off event at Sepang outside Kuala Lumpur. The multi-day ride features significant stretches of off-road and gravel terrain. On Monday, covering stage two of the route, Bottas spent nearly six hours on his bike and logged 161.91 kilometers.

The trip to the Marina Bay street circuit continues a pattern of heavy cycling involvement for the Finnish driver. During Formula 1’s summer hiatus, Bottas finished fifth in his age group at a gravel qualifying event in the Czech Republic, securing a spot at the Gravel World Championships. That tournament conflicts directly with the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, preventing him from competing.

Bottas Balances Gravel Racing with a Difficult Season

Bottas is closely involved with FNLD GRVL, an annual summer race held in Finland. He previously used the cancellation of the 2023 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to enter a gravel race in Scotland. The driver must arrive in Singapore in time for mandatory media commitments on Thursday.

The endurance test comes during a difficult competitive stretch for Bottas. Following his move to new team Cadillac, he sits 22nd in the drivers’ standings. After 16 Grands Prix this season, he remains without a point and has recorded eight DNFs.

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