Valtteri Bottas Completes 260-Mile Cycling Journey from Malaysia to Singapore Ahead of Grand Prix

Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas recounts being chased by a dog, encountering snakes, and leaping over a lizard while cycling from Malaysia to Singapore for this weekend’s Grand Prix.

The Finnish driver reached Singapore on Wednesday after opting for a 260-mile (419km) cycling journey instead of flying from last weekend’s Formula 1 race in Sepang, located outside Kuala Lumpur.

The 37-year-old commenced his journey just hours after spinning out of Sunday’s chaotic Grand Prix, navigating off-road and gravel trails and cycling through the night.

“I encountered some snakes, which initially concerned me, but they were actually quite calm. They were just going about their business,” Bottas said.

“I spotted a cobra and a python crossing the path ahead of me. I also saw large lizards, common in the area, one of which was directly on the trail.

“I had to jump over it on my bike as I only noticed it at the last second. I was chased by a dog and got stuck behind a herd of cows on a narrow path.”

Bottas is an accomplished cyclist who secured a spot at the Gravel World Championships by finishing fifth in his age group at a qualifying event in the Czech Republic during Formula 1’s summer break.

Unfortunately, the World Championships are also scheduled for this weekend, meaning Bottas will be competing on four wheels rather than two.

When the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was cancelled in 2023, Bottas used the free time to compete in a gravel race in Scotland.

Bottas has struggled in his return to Formula 1 with his new team, Cadillac, this season. He sits 22nd in the drivers’ standings, has yet to score a point in 16 Grands Prix, and has failed to finish eight races.

“The most intense part was riding at night in the jungle. The noise disoriented me, and my mind started playing tricks,” Bottas added.

“What is out there? Who knows what is out there?” But you just have to push through and keep moving.”

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