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Former Formula One driver Mika Salo believes that Lewis Hamilton is the clear number one at Mercedes and Bottas may struggle against him next season.
Bottas was confirmed as Hamilton's new team-mate for 2017 after Nico Rosberg shocked the F1 world by announcing his retirement.
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"He has only a one-year contract at the moment, which is a little bit weird," Salo said. "He has a very short time to get to know the team, the way they work – everything. One more problem is Lewis; he is the clear number one in the team, and he is p***ed off about missing out on the championship last year, so he will do anything to get it back now."
He added: "I don't think [there will be equal treatment]. Okay, Mercedes run two good cars anyway, but if there is something new and better, then for sure it will go to Lewis."
When asked what he thinks Bottas' best trait is, Salo said: "His consistency has been amazing every year, only rare mistakes, which is normal. But that's how he beats his team-mate, just by being consistent. He keeps scoring points all the time and has no retirements, and that's how you win the championships. This year will really tell what he is capable of in Formula One.
Fergal Walsh
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denis1304
Posts: 284
i can't remember once Mercedes didn't have new parts for both cars, why would they start this practice now?