Bottas aiming to apply more pressure to Hamilton
- Published on 24 Feb 2018 16:34
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Valtteri Bottas says that he is hoping to be closer to teammate Lewis Hamilton during the 2018 F1 season. Bottas enters his second year with the Silver Arrows, having joined at the start of 2017 after Nico Rosberg announced his immediate retirement.
The Finn picked up three race victories and four pole positions in his maiden year with the German squad. His last two pole positions came in the final two rounds of the 2017 season, and he converted his season finale pole into a race win.
But overall throughout the year, he was outclassed by Hamilton who picked up his fourth world championship. However, Bottas is confident he can get the better of the Brit this year. When asked if Hamilton is capable of being beaten, Bottas replied: "I think he is.
"He’s the toughest teammate I’ve ever had. he’s one of the best drivers ever in F1. He was the best driver last season. There’s no driver that is unbeatable. That’s what I believe. I believe in myself also.
"I believe in all the things I have been learning since the five years I’ve been in F1. I was able to show that I can do it in many races - not during 21 races every time but I know it’s there, I know it’s possible. That’s my thinking."
Bottas says that closer on-track action between the duo would cause some tension, but the former Williams driver says that that can be a positive thing: "I would like to put more pressure on Lewis on track and be battling wheel to wheel with him more often than last year.
"If I perform well, then that’s going to be the case and that will naturally cause some tension. That can be a positive thing and makes both of us try even more to leave no stones unturned in terms of performance and keeps us pushing even more. I think he means he wants us both to be peforming on a 100 percent level, and at the same time it can be some healthy competition."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (9)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Good luck. But remember, if you actually challenge him this year, you are out. Hamilton want a B-driver, not a challenger.
Fergal Walsh
Posts: 46
I would disagree. I'm sure Hamilton would love to prove himself against as many drivers as possible.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
The fact that he actively prevent Mercedes from chasing the likes of Verstappen, Ricciardo, Alonso or even Vettel pretty much proves my point. Remember: Hamilton got along well with Rosberg, until Rosberg started winning races.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
That's nothing new there most teammates act in such an fashion. The comment about Hamilton wouldn't mind who's his teammate is less plausible since he doesn't want to have too much of an challenge. Two extremely good drivers in one team spells trouble however in case of redbull it's ok since they weren't fighting for wc yet. Hamilton is good however all wins come from merc power so in my mind to be truly the greatest he must win an f1 wc/races with another team. There seems to be an issue around drivers these days in such that the are less likely to swap. Ham, Vet, Ricciardo haven't changed teams for some time now. The driver line-up bar redbull in the top teams have an clear no1 followed by an decent no2. Can't see bottas braking that circle.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
You do know Hamilton had success with McLaren?
Rindtchamp
Posts: 304
Bottas was hired as a #2 driver to back up Lewis, any talk of him challenging Lewis is utter rubbish, Mercedes would not allow it.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
@f1fan0101 off course with McLaren-Mercedes before switch to Mercedes. So Hamilton has only won races with Mercedes power in F1. I would like to see him switch so he can showcase his talents but that will most likely not happen. The best drivers end up in the best cars and since Mercedes has the best package he will stay there unless there is some kind of driver swap.
Smiler121
Posts: 53
With less potential for a stellar drive to put anyone but the top 2/3 teams on the podium I can understand why drivers are reluctant to take too many chances by switching teams when they are in one of the top 3, look at Fernando.
JCF1
Posts: 27
If he can't challenge Hamilton, he should at least beat all the other drivers.