After five seasons as teammates together♋ at Mercedes, Bottas will move to Alfa Romeo next year as the team’s replacement for Kimi Raikkonen, who is retiring from F1 at the end of 2021.

Bottas’ departure paves the way for George Russell to become Hamilton’s new teammate at Merced⛎es for next season, a move which is expected to be officially announced in the coming days.

Following the news of Bottas’ exit, Hamilton paid tribute to the Finn in a 🐽post on social media.

“I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside Valtterꦍi Bottas for the last five years,” Hamilton w꧟rote.

“Together, we’ve been part of a team that has delivered four constructors’ championships, and we’ve motivated one another to keep pushing through all the u🔯ps and downs.

“He has been the best t🅰eam▨mate I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside for the last 5 yrs. We’ve been p⛦art of a team that has delivered 4 Constructors’ Championships and we’ve motivated one another to keep pushing through the ups 💖& downs. Thank you VB let’s finish strong.

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton)

The Hamilton-Bottas co꧃mbination has helped Mercedes win a total of eight world championship titles (four constructors’, four drivers’) to date.

And they could yet make it 10 world championship victories before Bottas leaves, with Mercedes locked in an intense title fight againsꦡt Red Bull and Max Verstappen.

Hamilton signed off his tribute by praising Bottas’ personality and tipping the 32-year-old🍎 to have a “bright✨ future” with Alfa Romeo.

“Your speed and resilience has been impressive but where yꦆou truly stand out tome is the human being you are,” Hamilton continued. “You are greater than you ꧑know and there’s a bright future ahead for you.

“Thank you Valtter🥃i for all of 🦩your support and amazing contributions to this team. You will be missed.

“I wish🦹 you all the best for your future endeavours. Let’s finish off strong and🍒 get that eighth for the team.”