Valtteri Bottas is ready to pick up where Nico Rosberg left off at Mercedes.
Did the outgoing world champion have any last words of advice for his successor ahead of the start of the new season? That’s for you to decide.
Can you come up with the best caption for this picture? Post your funniest suggestion in the comments below.
A selection of the best will feature in a future edition of the F1 Fanatic Round-up.
Caption Competition
- Caption Competition 240: Snoozuka
- Caption Competition 239: Norris in full flight
- Caption Competition 238: Vasseur makes a point
- Caption Competition 237: Nic-OMG
- Caption Competition 236: Ricciardo’s roar
Browse all Caption Competitions
nelson piquet
18th March 2017, 11:20
rosberg: good luck being the number 2 driver
Scalextric (@scalextric)
18th March 2017, 11:24
It’s just with all these workouts, the overalls are really tight around your neck.
JamieFranklinF1 (@jamiefranklinf1)
18th March 2017, 11:24
Rosberg: “Hmm, advice on how to beat Hamilton?…Are you still on good terms with Massa?”
SaturnVF1 (@doublestuffpenguin)
20th March 2017, 0:05
Ha!
Strontium (@strontium)
18th March 2017, 11:26
“Believe me, after this year you’ll want to retire too.”
Miguel Bento (@miguelbento)
18th March 2017, 16:50
Very nice!
Stephen
18th March 2017, 11:28
So Nico, who do I have to talk to to get them to blow his engines up?
Fudge Kobayashi (@)
18th March 2017, 14:57
+1
Sravan Krishnan (@sravan-pe)
18th March 2017, 11:28
Remember Valtteri, race by race.
Tayyib
18th March 2017, 11:29
Honestly Valterri , I hope Hamilton destroys you.
JamieFranklinF1 (@jamiefranklinf1)
18th March 2017, 11:29
Rosberg: “No seriously, spend 4 years with Williams, then 6 with Mercedes, then in the 7th year, press up, up, down, down, left, right, square on the steering wheel, and you’ll become champion!”
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
19th March 2017, 0:10
@jamiefranklinf1 +1 I know you’re kidding but that’s not far from how Nico gained the 5 points.
Dom (@3dom)
19th March 2017, 8:40
Excellent @jamiefranklinf1 :-D
Stephen
18th March 2017, 11:30
“I left no stone unturned in my quest for the title, but perhaps the time I farted in his helmet was too far.”
Mashiat (@mashiat)
18th March 2017, 19:08
…
Chris (@cgturbo)
18th March 2017, 22:08
Um… Interesting.
Strangely Brown (@irukaviking)
19th March 2017, 22:09
Hahaha…..I spat out my coffee reading that! :)
BrawnGP (@brawngp)
18th March 2017, 11:34
‘Lets just say, if I had seen Force India’s new livery sooner… I would still be in F1’
Jay
18th March 2017, 11:38
Rosberg: Don’t worry Valtteri I was average as well prior to Hamilton’s tutelage. Stick around long enough and the team may gift you a title like they did for me last year.
Ramzi
18th March 2017, 11:44
“I’m gonna need your sunglasses too” said Bottas after taking Rosberg’s seat.
Robbie (@robbie)
18th March 2017, 20:00
Lol.
The Last Pope (@the-last-pope)
18th March 2017, 21:46
The Terminator reference? Lol good one.
just.daz (@nemo87)
18th March 2017, 11:47
Are you still here?
chris (@)
22nd March 2017, 9:28
Brilliant.
+1
Gerrish Burstow
18th March 2017, 11:52
Just a few of these fine iron filings in the fuel will do it. Just pick your race so it’s not too obvious.
Todfod (@todfod)
18th March 2017, 11:57
Bottas – “If you could send me that list of engineers and mechanics… it would be great!”
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
19th March 2017, 0:12
+1
Kgn11
18th March 2017, 11:57
Nico, so I take it you found changing diapers harder than you initially thought?
Willie Gaynor
18th March 2017, 12:00
Valteri: any tips for me beating Lewis?
Nico: sleep with nicole scherzinger like I did- completely messed with Lewis’s head ha ha
Valtari: what’s her phone number?!!
Dave Snow
19th March 2017, 21:33
It’s in the Mercedes men’s room 1-800-Village-Bicycle
Philip (@philipgb)
18th March 2017, 12:00
Bottas: “Hows life after F1?”
Rosberg: “It’s just constant crying and toys being thrown out of the pram!”
Bottas: “So no different then?”
Nick Wyatt (@nickwyatt)
18th March 2017, 12:30
Excellent!
Zim
18th March 2017, 14:54
Class :D
Robbie (@robbie)
18th March 2017, 15:48
Lol, good one!
Sravan Krishnan (@sravan-pe)
18th March 2017, 16:41
Oh my! That’s epic!
ruliemaulana (@ruliemaulana)
18th March 2017, 17:39
Brilliant!
Thecollaroyboys (@thecollaroyboys)
18th March 2017, 21:13
And there’s your winner
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
19th March 2017, 0:12
+1 ha-ha
claudioff (@claudioff)
19th March 2017, 2:35
Brilliant!
Dom (@3dom)
19th March 2017, 8:48
Excellent
EC (@dutch-1)
19th March 2017, 12:44
Well, the only difference is that my kids will grow up in the future, but Lewis will always be like that …..
Dave Snow
19th March 2017, 21:36
Spot on mate!
Strangely Brown (@irukaviking)
19th March 2017, 22:36
Ding Ding Ding! We have a winner!
Dark Schneider
18th March 2017, 12:08
“Don’t worry.
I’ll support you from my comfy chair with a beer, while you suffer to hell when you’ll fight harshly with Lewis.”
James Brickles (@brickles)
18th March 2017, 12:11
Rosberg: “If he’s on your outside going into a corner, don’t forget to forget to turn.”
Michael (@freelittlebirds)
19th March 2017, 0:13
ha-ha +1
Phylyp (@phylyp)
18th March 2017, 12:34
Rosberg: “The shades hide my tears”
Deano
18th March 2017, 12:39
“I came from Williams in 2010, you arrived from Williams in 2017, is your money on Massa or Stroll taking your seat for 2018?”
Evil Homer (@)
18th March 2017, 12:54
“Why did you quit?”
“I am Formula One World Champion, job done!”
Max Grime (@maxgr15me)
18th March 2017, 12:55
NR “I thought Red Bull would be faster this year. Can I have my seat back”
VB “There may be one spare at McLaren soon”
Ruben
18th March 2017, 13:05
Bottas: You’re not going to come back out of retirement in three years right?
Mach1 (@mach1)
18th March 2017, 13:09
Despite the restraining orders, some ingenious fans have disguised themselves as old retired drivers in an attempt to meet their idols.
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
18th March 2017, 13:10
Bottas: I aim to emulate Keke Rosberg by winning the world championship for Finland.
ExcitedAbout17
18th March 2017, 14:33
Two Finnish furs humid earth Fin ash!
Mach1 (@mach1)
18th March 2017, 13:16
Bottas: Any tips Nico?
Rosberg: Don’t you mean current world champion Nico?
Bottas:Erm…..yes… I guess..what do you think of the cars?
Rosberg: Great…the kind a current world champion could drive….
Bottas: Hows family life?
Rosberg: Well…when you are the current world champion….it is just that much better
Bottas: I’m about to get a bite to eat Nico….want to come?
Rosberg: Of course, I , Nico Rosberg, current world champion, would love to come.
Bottas: Great…..
Rosberg: Did I mention I am the current world champion?
Anatoli68 (@anatoli68)
18th March 2017, 13:39
Nico acted a little bit shady when asked how he was able to defeat Lewis.
BW
18th March 2017, 13:51
Nico, please tell Fernando to stop calling me and hanging up…
OmarRoncal - Go Seb!!! (@)
18th March 2017, 14:02
Hahahahaa
Homerlovesbeer (@homerlovesbeer)
18th March 2017, 13:52
Nico…”Good luck champ. For God’s sake, don’t let them swap you back to my 2015 mechanics.”
hzh (@hzh00)
18th March 2017, 13:53
Congratulations Leonardo, I heard you have finally won the Oscar!
JulianSark
18th March 2017, 13:55
Vallteri: Do you think that picture of us the guy to my right is taking will be used for a caption competition?
Rosberg: Possible. Just in case, let’s act plain boring and give them a really hard time. Oh, and also: Damn Lewis!
OmarRoncal - Go Seb!!! (@)
18th March 2017, 13:58
Valtteri Bottass meets a young fan.
John H (@john-h)
18th March 2017, 22:41
Still good.
Thedonz
18th March 2017, 14:04
Bottas: Hey Man how’s it going?
Rosberg: I’m good
ExcitedAbout17
18th March 2017, 14:17
(Rosberg) “Speaking foreign languages in the greenroom will get you under his skin!”
Matt
18th March 2017, 14:25
C’mon around the back & I’ll show you where I used to keep the bag of sugar that I’d drop in Lewis’ gas tank every time he got ahead last year…..
charliex (@photogcw)
18th March 2017, 14:45
Nico: Can you trust Toto and Niki? Think about this: would you buy a used car from either one of them?
Hotbottoms (@hotbottoms)
18th March 2017, 14:50
Valtteri: “Any tips on how to beat Hamilton?”
Nico: “Attack from behind and kick him in the groin.”
Hotbottoms (@hotbottoms)
18th March 2017, 15:02
Nico: “I think mind games are your best chance to win Lewis.”
Valtteri: “I’d rather just concentrate on driving.”
Nico: “Yes exactly, I meant his mind games.”
mark jackson
18th March 2017, 15:13
Valtteri Bottas meets an F1 fan.
BW
18th March 2017, 15:23
Nico, why didn’t you tell me I have to walk Roscoe and Coco?
just.daz (@nemo87)
18th March 2017, 16:11
No way I’m a Finn too…
Mark Thomson (@melthom)
18th March 2017, 16:12
Nico: You can borrow my go cart for practice!
Bottas: Bwooah!
JackySteeg (@jackysteeg)
18th March 2017, 16:14
“Hey Nico, what’s the wifi password?”
“Oh no, I’m not telling any secrets, I’m neutral”.
Levente (@leventebandi)
18th March 2017, 16:15
“I need your clothes, your boots and your motorcycle.”
Placid (@placid)
21st March 2017, 12:37
Rosberg: YOU SHOULD HAVE SAID PLEASE!!!!!
Bottas: NO NO NO!!!! Not the cigar. NOT THE CIGAR!!!!!!!
Ganesh
18th March 2017, 16:34
NR: Did anyone told you that I am the no 1 of the no 2.
VB😷😷😷
Erzen (@)
18th March 2017, 17:11
Rosberg: The secret to beating Hamilton is to be more #blessed than he is. Trust me on this one ;)
Stephen Crowsen (@drycrust)
18th March 2017, 17:16
Bottas: I suppose you heard Lewis and his braking 5 metres closer to the corner on TV? I said to him “Try sloppy gear changes this year and you’ll be second on the podium”.
CateredHam
18th March 2017, 17:29
Hey, so, Nico… maybe you didn’t get the memo, but they retired you. It’s my car now
Stephen Crowsen (@drycrust)
18th March 2017, 17:29
Bottas: These cars are so different from the old generation. At every corner you feel like you’re going through the spin dryer. “He who never uses the simulator” has had to spend time on it so he can recalibrate his braking and accelerating technique.
Gerulf Dösinger (@)
18th March 2017, 18:00
“And then I told Emilia: ‘I’d do the same thing Nico did.’ Speaking of our wives, has yours too started to throw up in the morning recently?”
Stephen Crowsen (@drycrust)
18th March 2017, 18:02
Bottas: …That was so funny watching him moaning on TV about me stealing his “braking 5 metres later” technique. I told him he’d better not be 4 metres behind me if he does try it because there’ll be Car 44 carbon fibre all over the track.
Stephen Crowsen (@drycrust)
18th March 2017, 18:13
Bottas: … So I did what you said, I booked up all the best times on the simulator for the entire season. Someone wasn’t very happy and complained to Toto, who said I must have forgotten I was supposed to let him have first choice, but no one has asked me if I’d change my times.
Yoseph
18th March 2017, 18:21
Nico: …keep smiling, we are still on CCTV…
Shaun
18th March 2017, 18:23
So you’re the idiot who gave up his ride at merecedes. Thanks!
Mashiat (@mashiat)
18th March 2017, 19:06
NR: Your number is 77. Lewis’ is 44. 77-44 = 33. 3 + 3 = 6. I’m the champion confirmed.
Apexor
18th March 2017, 20:35
Looks like you miscalculated your answer there.
It is 33.3 + 3 = 36.3
Chema Carrasco (@chemakal)
19th March 2017, 0:18
NR: Your number is 77. Lewis’ is 44. 77-44 = 33.
3 + 3 = 6.
Mashiat (@mashiat)
18th March 2017, 19:07
VB: Starve myself? Got it. I should be hungrier than Lewis.
hzh (@hzh00)
18th March 2017, 19:48
“I heard they will be banning finns this year.”
Gerulf Dösinger (@)
18th March 2017, 19:52
+1
BW
19th March 2017, 3:05
Winner!!!
Todfod (@todfod)
18th March 2017, 20:16
Rosberg- “When you get to the green room… make sure you throw the cap right at him”
mog
18th March 2017, 20:22
Nico: I always dreamed of being a Dad and Husband!
Valterri: Now that you are, must be time to quit. you will have so much more time free…
Apexor
18th March 2017, 20:32
Nico: I have one advise to you Val, what ever you do stay away from Lewis’ hotel room it will save your life.
Robbie (@robbie)
18th March 2017, 20:43
Hey Nico…how’s Viv and our love child?
Oh they’re great, thanks for…wait WHAT?
Err umm…I meant…I too would love a child!
CareyPatrick (@careypatrick)
18th March 2017, 22:21
Valliteri: “So, Nico; All I have to do is tell him that i saw some guy chatting up his girl in the paddock?”
Nico: “yup, worked for me!”
hippasus
18th March 2017, 22:25
Rosberg: For sure, quit while you’re ahead.
CareyPatrick (@careypatrick)
18th March 2017, 22:27
Valtierri: ” So, Nico, all I have to do is say”thanks for the extra 500rpm to the Mercedes engineers while Lewis is in earshot?”
Nico: ” yup, worked for me!”
Scottie (@scottie)
18th March 2017, 23:42
So I just put on the harder compound, drove, and was faster than Lewis through testing… easy!
NinjaBadger (@ninjabadger)
18th March 2017, 23:57
Nico: “Do you think Alonso is jealous?”
Valtteri: “Of me?”
Nico: “Of either one of us.”
RP (@slotopen)
19th March 2017, 2:30
Ouch!
Chema Carrasco (@chemakal)
19th March 2017, 0:22
I can see a real World Champion… reflected in your sunglasses.
Jordi Casademunt (@casjo)
19th March 2017, 1:43
Valtteri Bottas chats with an elderly fan during a promotional event at a retirement home.
Jack (@jackisthestig)
19th March 2017, 1:59
Valtteri clearly riveted by tales from Nico’s guitar lessons.
Neil (@neilosjames)
19th March 2017, 4:09
“… and the best part of winning the championship with Mercedes is that they let you wear sunglasses inside… yeah, even in March. And even when it’s not sunny.”
ysvasu (@ysreddy)
19th March 2017, 7:51
Repeat my performance Rosberg telling
Pratyush P (@pratyushp276)
19th March 2017, 7:53
“Listen carefully, Valtteri, for I am going to disclose to you the single largest and most reliable bargaining chip I used against Lewis – his Snapchat password…..”
Dom (@3dom)
19th March 2017, 8:37
Rosberg: “I wouldn’t have driven for Mercedes in 2017, Valtteri, but I’m sure you have your reasons, and I have to respect your decision”
Dom (@3dom)
19th March 2017, 8:46
Lewis didn’t kill my F1 career, I did
ColinChapman (@colinchapman)
19th March 2017, 9:34
Bottas, I am your father.
McF1 (@mccosmic)
19th March 2017, 10:07
Mirror mirror on the wall, who has the best disguise of them all?
Rocky (@rocky)
19th March 2017, 11:10
I think I can beat him!
You’re nuts or will be!
Peppermint-Lemon (@)
19th March 2017, 11:30
Nico tells Bottas how to Finnish ahead of Lewis in the championship
mog
19th March 2017, 11:39
So Nico, Mercedes’ confirmed their policy on driver favouritism is the same as last year.
Fibonacci
19th March 2017, 16:20
Somewhat sarcastic here.
VB: What’s the secret to beating Lewis?
NR: The easy way is to learn to play 3 songs on the piano, play some guitar; own a saxophone (photograph yourself); make someone historically important person your idol (make it known); have tons of image-altering software on your iPhone; hang around friends in cool places; and post everything you do on social media. Get about 500,000 followers on social media and employ 1 each among them to put in the ‘good word’ on your behalf on all major talking areas you’re involved in in the digital world and ask them to defend and rationalize everything you do. Keep it constant. Should some races get compromised, get the planted reps to scream foul, rile the fan-base, and get your team to publicly write an open letter to your fans that they (the team) is not conspiring against you. Play the victim whenever you can and get support pouring in. Oh, and here’s the winner – in the first few races, threaten the team you’ll quit. Remember, you’re a much needed stopgap right now for the team. Use it to your advantage.
VB: I thought this was motor racing….and, and…you need to be an honest team player…
NR: I did too. There’s way too much more to it apparently.
VB: What about speed, consistency, class, performance?
NR: You’re in a 2-way battle for the WDC. The rest is what you make others believe. Get my point?…….
VB: I don’t like it.
NR: Why did you think I retired? There are more meaningful and rewarding ways to live your life than be a team mate to Hamilton and be on the firing side by default. So, if you want to do this, get many fans. Hook up with a branding agent.
VB: So, I can beat Hamilton that way?
NR: No. You’ll just negate all off-track pressure he puts your way. You may even put some pressure on him mentally if you do what I say. Ultimately, you’re beating him will depend on your own on-track performance. If you are close enough, the off-track gimmicks will be enough to rattle him. What you’ve got going for you is you’re an unknown to him, which means he can’t say things like you were born into luxury to get support on his side. Don’t talk too much, focus on performance and know the technical side as much as you can.
VB: Thanks for the heads up.
Dave Snow
19th March 2017, 21:39
Write a book
Willem Das
19th March 2017, 18:39
VB : Honestly, he believes this chilly iglo-look of our new motorhome is designed to make him feel sick and favour me, being from Scandinavia and all that. According to Andrew Benson I’m virtually guaranteed to win the WDC ! NB : Well, the mechanic-merry-go-round certainly worked for me !
Potenza91
19th March 2017, 18:43
NR: Don’t worry.. I’m just here for the telemetry.
Tiomkin
19th March 2017, 19:35
VB: I thought you’d do a ‘Massa’ and drive for Renault, you know, the yellow team.
rich mac
19th March 2017, 21:55
VB: So the team made Multi21 map to my Finnish-Grip Hax. On Lewis’s car its Finish-Gripe Hacks!
NR: (Laughs) He can’t spell…so…
VB: I know right …
anon
19th March 2017, 22:02
VB – you know what they’re calling you now?
NR – no. What?
VB – Nico Cosberg
NR – What’s cosberg?
VB – A lettuce….
suryana (@mursidsuryana)
20th March 2017, 0:53
“Valterri Bottas is chatting with his fans”
Lari (@lari)
20th March 2017, 5:01
VB: You know what’s frustrating?
NR: What’s that?
VB: People seem to have a hard time spelling my firstname. And they don’t eve bother checking it. How hard can it be??
NR: I know, had a bit of same with my lastname…
VB: Those F1fanatic readers….
rantingmrp (@rantingmrp)
21st March 2017, 1:49
“Malaysia – how’d you arrange that, mate?”
Placid (@placid)
21st March 2017, 12:44
Rosberg: If you decide to make your own cereal? Forget it. Just call Wheaties. You will have an instant face.
Bottas: What is wrong with Cocoa Pebbles or Fruity Pebbles?
Rosberg: That is John Cena’s brand. I tried to be the face of the cereal but I was met with “Attitude Adjustment”. Just look at my black eyes.