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Bottas must again 'prove' he deserves Mercedes seat

  • Published on 22 Nov 2017 09:10
  • 6
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Valtteri Bottas has admitted he needs to again "prove" he deserves the Mercedes seat he occupies. The Finn had a solid start to 2017 in retired Nico Rosberg's wake and was re-signed for 2018, but he slumped in the second half of the season. "The season has been tough," Bottas admitted to The National, insisting that Mercedes was pushed hard by both Ferrari and Red Bull this year.

And with his teammate Lewis Hamilton winning nine races and the title, Bottas admitted his tally of two wins is not good enough. "I was definitely hoping for more," he said, "but I am glad I have proven myself and the team signed me up again for next year. I couldn't beat him (Hamilton) this year but I am working on my weaknesses. Next year's going to be the same thing. I need to again prove if I am going to stay with the team for a long time."

But notwithstanding his resolve to improve, Bottas said he has always felt the support of the Mercedes team. "I didn't have many issues with pressure as I felt the whole team was behind me," he said. (GMM)

F1 News Valtteri Bottas Mercedes

Replies (6)

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  • ajpennypacker

    Posts: 2,475

    While Bottas has had a couple of solid drives this year, in general he's been merely a number two. A stronger version of Ruben Barrichello, Felipe Massa, or post 2010 Raikkonen.

    • + 1
    • Nov 22 2017 - 21:16
    • rastaman44

      Posts: 17

      Agreed !!! Just what Hamilton wants; no drama. Just saying !!

      • + 0
      • Nov 23 2017 - 00:13
    • calle.itw

      Posts: 8,527

      Sadly yes. I must admit Im a bit disappointed that he hasnt performed better. But I wonder... Would he even be allowed to be competitive if he wanted to?

      • + 0
      • Nov 23 2017 - 07:54
    • Barron

      Posts: 625

      I’m not even sure he’s as good as those other “Number 2’s” you mention. He didn’t really shine at Williams either and it would seem that Mercedes only picked him as there was no real alternative. Aha! What about Hulkenberg I hear you cry! And you would be right. The Hulk would be quicker than Bottas but could he beat Hamilton? Er, no. To be a winner in F1 you have to be ‘complete’ in all areas. Driving is probably not an issue for Bottas but the mind set is a struggle for him.

      • + 0
      • Nov 23 2017 - 12:50
    • calle.itw

      Posts: 8,527

      Thats the problem though, innit? We dont know if Hulk could beat Hamilton because he never has, and likely never will, get the chance to drive a car than can compare to the Mercedes.

      • + 0
      • Nov 23 2017 - 12:57
  • cribau

    Posts: 2

    Maybe Mercedes chose him because he is Fin, just as Raikkonen a super cool guy. Mercedes wanted in the first place to avoid animosity or tension in the team. So Hamilton could in all serenity focus on the championship.

    • + 0
    • Nov 24 2017 - 06:35

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