Full Breakdown
Valtteri Bottas Pedals 350-420 km from Sepang to Singapore
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
After retiring on lap 9 of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang on October 4, 2026, Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas rode a gravel bike from the Malaysian circuit to the Singapore Grand Prix instead of flying. Over four days he covered between 350 km and 420 km, arriving in time for media duties on October 8, 2026. The ride included off-road and night sections through jungle terrain, with encounters ranging from snakes to a chased dog.
Background & Context
The Bahrain Grand Prix was moved to Malaysia because of the war in Iran, making Sepang the first Malaysian F1 venue since 2017. Bottas, who has yet to score a point for the Cadillac team this season, spun out after a gamble on slick tyres. A long-time cycling enthusiast, he qualified for the UCI Gravel World Championships earlier in the year but will miss the event as it clashes with the Singapore race.
Data & Statistics
- Day 1 (Oct 4): 56.6 km in just over two hours.
- Day 2 (Oct 5): 161.91 km in 5 hr 45 min.
- Day 3 (Oct 6): another 161 km in roughly five and a half hours.
- Day 4 (Oct 7): final 40.16 km, arriving on Oct 7.
- Total distance reported: 418 km, 350 km (multiple outlets), 419.67 km (The Straits Times), and “over 320 km” (other sources).
- Conditions: daytime temperatures around 30 °C, humidity ? 68 %; night riding required a headlamp.
- Wildlife: a cobra, a python, several large lizards, a dog, and a herd of cows; Bottas described the snakes as “pretty chill.”
Official Statements & Responses
Cadillac team principal Marcin Budkowski said, “Singapore is always one of the most demanding events on the calendar, both for the car and physically for the team and drivers.” Bottas added the ride “definitely cleared my mind immediately” and that the heat “could actually help my biorhythm” by acclimatising him for the humid Singapore night race.
On-the-Ground Reports
Bottas said the jungle night ride was the “wildest part,” with darkness prompting his mind to “play games” about unseen wildlife. He jumped over a lizard, was briefly chased by a dog, and waited for a small herd of cows to move. He also noted that local drivers “were really polite” and left ample space on the road.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact mileage: The Guardian cites 418 km, while other outlets report 350 km, 419.67 km, or “over 320 km.” No single source provides a detailed map, leaving the precise path and total distance unverified. Bottas posted daily Strava updates, but the final cumulative figure has not been independently confirmed.
What’s Next
- October 8, 2026: Bottas attends pre-Grand Prix media duties in Singapore.
- October 9, 2026: First practice session on the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
- October 10, 2026: Sprint race, the first sprint held at this venue.
- October 11, 2026: Main Grand Prix race under floodlights.
The bike trek provided Bottas with a mental reset and heat acclimatisation ahead of one of the season’s toughest street circuits.
