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Mercedes Non-Executive Chairman Niki Lauda says that the regulations that are in place for 2017 will help new recruit Valtteri Bottas. 2017 cars will produce more downforce which will enable higher cornering speed, and will equip wider tyres meaning more cornering grip.
Bottas joins the Silver Arrows from Williams after Nico Rosberg's retirement, and Lauda believes that as the new car will be a first for team mate Lewis Hamilton, it will make Bottas' life a little easier.
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"He does not have much time to settle in, everything is new for him and us," Lauda said. "But he has two advantages: he comes into a top team and that will make it easier to get everything right from the beginning.
"We will also drive with completely new cars this year. This is also new for Lewis [Hamilton], so Lewis can't build [on] his own car, because he doesn't know the [2017] car. Both drivers can develop the car from the beginning, so that it will suit them both."
Mercedes will showcase their 2017 car on February 23rd and will be hoping to enjoy a fourth consecutive year success.
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Replies (3)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
But Hamilton know the mechanics and such, and those factors will also play in.
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
It'll be a true test of Bottas' skill but I don't see why he can't challenge Hamilton
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
The turd knows nothing about mechanics, he is not a Schumacher or Vettel or DC, he has never shown the aptitude nor the interest to get involved. One guy who tried his hand and succeeded was Rosberg.