Wolff denies Bottas has slipped into number 2 role

  • Published on 19 May 2017 12:27
  • comments 2
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Valtteri Bottas is not a number two driver at Mercedes according to team boss Toto Wolff. Despite taking his first pole position and career win in Formula 1 in his first five races at Mercedes, the Finn has failed to match the consistent pace of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton looks set to be involved in a season-long battle with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel for the driver's championship, while Bottas could be forced into a number two role to support his teammate's bid for a fourth world title.

With the gap between Hamilton and Bottas now 35 points, it appears that that role is opening up for Bottas, however, Wolff denies this as there is still a long way to go in the season.

"Yes, the gap is quite big now after the Spanish Grand Prix," he is quoted by Speed Week. "But we have just five races behind us and fifteen still ahead. So there is no reason for us to favour a driver and certainly not at such an early stage of the season. We will continue as before."

 

Fergal Walsh

I hope he doesn't and that he improves, a 4way fight would be great

  • 1
  • May 19 2017 - 14:05

Replies (2)

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  • I hope he doesn't and that he improves, a 4way fight would be great

    • + 1
    • May 19 2017 - 14:05
    • Agreed, and a 4-way fight is just what F1 need, methinks. I think Bottas will be up there, he has improved quite quickly, and it wouldnt surprise me if he wins more races this year.

      • + 0
      • May 19 2017 - 14:26

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  • Team Mercedes
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