New regulations will make it easier for Bottas - Lauda

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.

"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.

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (3)

Login to reply
  • But Hamilton know the mechanics and such, and those factors will also play in.

    • + 0
    • Feb 5 2017 - 21:00
    • It'll be a true test of Bottas' skill but I don't see why he can't challenge Hamilton

      • + 0
      • Feb 6 2017 - 01:05
    • 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.

      • + 0
      • Feb 6 2017 - 05:34

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16
Australia
21 - Mar 23
China
4 - Apr 6
Japan
11 - Apr 13
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4
United States of America
16 - May 18
Italy
23 - May 25
Monaco
30 - Jun 1
Spain
13 - Jun 15
Canada
27 - Jun 29
Austria
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27
Belgium
1 - Aug 3
Hungary
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7
Italy
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5
Singapore
17 - Oct 19
United States of America
24 - Oct 26
Mexico
7 - Nov 9
Brazil
21 - Nov 23
United States of America
28 - Nov 30
Qatar
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23
4 - Apr 6
11 - Apr 13
18 - Apr 20
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18
23 - May 25
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1
13 - Jun 15
27 - Jun 29
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27
1 - Aug 3
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5
17 - Oct 19
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26
7 - Nov 9
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30
5 - Dec 7
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Mercedes
  • Points 1,608
  • Podiums 61
  • Grand Prix 209
  • Country FI
  • Date of b. Aug 28 1989 (36)
  • Place of b. Nastola, FI
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.73 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar