Cadillac too slow? Valtteri Bottas cycles to Singapore after F1 disaster
Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas has decided to swap his racing car for a bicycle, setting off on a journey of roughly 350 kilometres from Malaysia to Singapore ahead of the next Grand Prix. The unusual travel plans follow a disappointing weekend at Sepang, where the Finn crashed out of the race after just seven laps.
While most drivers and team personnel are heading to Singapore by plane, the 37-year-old has chosen to cycle south from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. According to his activity on Strava, Bottas covered 56.6 kilometres on the first day, travelling towards Port Dickson.
He also shared footage of the journey on social media, including a clip of himself cycling along a dark road. Reports differ on the full distance, with some estimates placing the journey at 450–500 kilometres, depending on the route.
Bottas has several days to reach Singapore before the Grand Prix weekend begins on 9 October. The race itself is scheduled for Sunday, 11 October, with the city-state hosting its first F1 Sprint weekend.
The trip follows the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was relocated to Malaysia’s Sepang International Circuit because of the conflict in the Middle East. The race marked Formula 1’s first return to Sepang since 2017.
Cycling is more than a hobby for Bottas
Although his latest journey has attracted attention, Bottas is an experienced endurance cyclist who regularly competes in gravel racing.
In August 2026, Bottas secured qualification for the Gravel World Championships after finishing fifth in his age group at a qualifying event. However, this year’s championships in Western Australia clash with the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
Bottas has previously spoken about taking cycling seriously alongside his Formula 1 commitments. His interest in the sport also extends beyond competition, with the driver helping organise gravel events in his home country.
For now, his attention is divided between reaching Singapore and preparing for another demanding weekend with Cadillac. Whether the bicycle proves more reliable than his Formula 1 machinery remains to be seen.
