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Valtteri Bottas has said that he strongly considers himself as a championship contender for the 2017 season. The Finn joined Mercedes at the start of the year on a one-year contract, but that deal looks set to be extended due to his impressive performances this season.
After the Hungarian Grand Prix, one of the big talking points was Lewis Hamilton's decision to hand back third place to Bottas, who had let him through earlier in the race to attack the Ferrari's. Bottas admits he would have been annoyed if Hamilton didn't give the position back.
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"Not every teammate would have done that for a podium, but on the other hand, I would have been angry if Lewis had not accepted the deal. The team has made it clear right from the beginning that we are both treated and respected equally," he told Sport Bild.
"We get the same equipment, there is no number 1 and number 2 driver, and I trusted that was the case. I am fighting for the world championship, as this is also about my own career. I do not want to be in Lewis' shadow," the quiet 27-year-old insisted.
When asked if he considers himself a contender for the 2017 title, he said: "Yes. I can become world champion. There are still nine races to go, and I believe that I can beat Lewis and Sebastian - I have already done both this year. I am getting better and better. There is no limit for me. I would never say that one of my opponents is better than me. I believe in myself."
Despite not having a contract in place for next season yet, Bottas is not too worried as his career at Williams was handled the same way: "This has also been the case for me every year. At this time of the year I often did not know how it would go on for me, so I have a lot of practice. And it's ok, as I feel comfortable in the team and have only received positive feedback. So I'm not too worried."
Fergal Walsh
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
C. Sainz jr
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f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Quite right! Bottas has done so well this year