Dec.5 (GMM) Even with no Finnish drivers on the grid, Finnish followers of System 1 will nonetheless take pleasure in specialised tv protection of the game.
With Valtteri Bottas dropped by Audi-Sauber, 2025 would be the first full season with out Finnish illustration since 1977 – nearly 50 years in the past.
It’s a outstanding feat for a rustic with such a small inhabitants, with the Finnish greats together with Keke Rosberg, Mika Hakkinen and Kimi Raikkonen.
So with zero Finnish drivers on the grid subsequent 12 months, do the nation’s F1 followers want to fret that Viaplay’s specialised Finnish protection of the game may even disappear?
The reply is not any, in accordance with Viaplay Finland’s head of sport Jussi Ranta.
“F1 is experiencing a global renaissance, and the approaching season shall be distinctive in its beginning factors,” he instructed Ilta Sanomat newspaper.
“Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari alone was one of many sport’s largest contract information tales ever, which raises the attraction of the upcoming season to an entire new degree,” Ranta added.
He stated thrilling new rookies, the tip of the present laws cycle, and fashionable current improvements like dash racing may even hold System 1 as a well-liked sport on Finnish TV.
“In different phrases, the pattern that was prevalent from the center to the tip of this season is simply getting stronger,” stated Ranta. “As unlucky as Bottas not being there may be, it doesn’t have a adverse impact on the game’s recognition. Bear in mind, Bottas’ efficiency degree at Sauber was already very modest.”
Nonetheless, he admitted he hopes early rumours that Cadillac may be concerned with Bottas for 2026 may be true.
“We welcome all attention-grabbing hypothesis, however on the similar time we have now to keep in mind that there are many rumours on this sport,” stated Ranta. “However in fact we might very very similar to to see Bottas return within the colors of Cadillac or one other workforce.”
