Cadillac driver Valtteri Bottas takes on 350km cycling challenge from Malaysia to Singapore for next race after F1 setback | International Sports News

Valtteri Bottas has taken on an unusual challenge after a difficult Malaysian Grand Prix. The Cadillac driver has decided to cycle around 350km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Singapore ahead of the next Formula 1 race. The Finnish driver began his journey after the race and covered 56.6km on his opening day.Bottas is an experienced cyclist and regularly takes part in demanding gravel events. His latest ride will take him across Malaysia as he prepares for the Singapore Grand Prix on October 11. The journey comes after his disappointing race at Sepang, where he crashed early after taking a gamble on slick tyres during wet conditions.

Valtteri Bottas begins 350km ride ahead of Singapore Grand Prix

While most F1 drivers will travel to Singapore by plane, Valtteri Bottas has chosen a very different route.The 37-year-old plans to cycle from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Singapore. The total journey is expected to cover around 350km.Bottas has already started the challenge. During his first day, he rode 56.6km from Kuala Lumpur International Airport towards Port Dickson.Long-distance cycling also gives Bottas a way to train away from the F1 circuit. The physical demands can help his endurance. The mental challenge can also help him prepare for the intense demands of a Grand Prix weekend.His decision comes at an important point in his 2026 season.Bottas returned to a full-time F1 seat this year after spending the 2025 campaign as a reserve driver. He joined the new Cadillac Formula 1 Team alongside Mexican driver Sergio Perez.However, his comeback has been difficult so far.Bottas has yet to score a point this season. His best result remains 13th at the Chinese Grand Prix. He currently sits 22nd in the World Drivers’ Championship standings.His Malaysian Grand Prix ended in another disappointment.The Sepang race was moved onto the 2026 calendar after Formula 1 returned to Malaysia for the first time since 2017. The event was held as a replacement due to the ongoing situation in Iran.Bottas made a strategic gamble during the race by switching to slick tyres while the track remained wet. The decision did not work out. He crashed during the early stages and was forced to retire.The Singapore Grand Prix now presents another challenge.The Marina Bay Street Circuit is known for its demanding street layout, high temperatures and night-race conditions. Drivers also face a long and physically demanding race.Bottas has previous success at the venue. He finished third at the 2017 Singapore Grand Prix while driving for Mercedes. It remains his only podium finish at the circuit.Now, the Cadillac driver will hope his unusual journey to Singapore helps him reset after his Malaysian disappointment.If he completes the journey on schedule, he is expected to arrive in Singapore in time for the start of official Grand Prix activities and his mandatory Thursday media commitments.