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Bottas: "My driving style doesn't fit the Mercedes"

Bottas: "My driving style doesn't fit the Mercedes"

  • Published on 29 Sep 2017 09:26
  • comments 8
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Valtteri Bottas has identified his driving style as the reason for his recent struggle. In recent races, although the Finn has secured a new Mercedes contract for 2018, he has struggled to match the pace of championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

"In Singapore I didn't have Lewis' pace in either qualifying or the race," he admitted in Malaysia. "Together with the engineers we have analysed a lot," Bottas added. "It looks as though my driving style does not fit so well with what the car needs. So I still need to work with the team and on myself, but I am sure I will manage to do it."

Bottas is therefore confident he can turn around his slump, improve in 2018 and set the foundation for a long-term stay at Mercedes. "This year, I had to learn a lot in a short time," he said. "But next year will be a whole new feeling and a fresh start. I can show that I deserve a long-term contract at Mercedes." (GMM)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527

You can be in the absolute best car, you can be in your absolute prime but if it doesnt suit your driving style it'll never deliver it's maximal performance.

  • 1
  • Sep 29 2017 - 15:28
F1 News Valtteri Bottas Lewis Hamilton Mercedes

Replies (8)

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  • Barron

    Posts: 625

    Surely that's only to be expected Valterri if the settings you're using are supplied by the, er, other driver?

    • + 0
    • Sep 29 2017 - 10:12
  • boudy

    Posts: 1,168

    Hmm. Complaining about the number 1 car ... something doesn't make sense. Looks like he's out of that merc in 2019.
    Good luck to him.

    • + 0
    • Sep 29 2017 - 11:39
    • calle.itw

      Posts: 8,527

      You can be in the absolute best car, you can be in your absolute prime but if it doesnt suit your driving style it'll never deliver it's maximal performance.

      • + 1
      • Sep 29 2017 - 15:28
    • mbmwe36

      Posts: 533

      Yup, Kimi has had that problem at Ferrari, I think it was last season where it was especially pronounced.
      I don't blame Mercedes though, they should build the car around Hamilton, not to mention that Bottas joined very late in the development of the car.

      • + 0
      • Sep 29 2017 - 15:44
    • boudy

      Posts: 1,168

      Just don't agree with that. Name me other top driver that said the same thing. Kimi is good, bottas is good both aren't great and that car deserves a great driver. Ric or ves would be better fit.

      • + 0
      • Sep 29 2017 - 20:55
    • calle.itw

      Posts: 8,527

      Most of them doesnt really like to say it though, do they? But we've seen it happen multiple times before.

      • + 0
      • Sep 30 2017 - 09:28
    • mbmwe36

      Posts: 533

      If memory serves, I think it even happened with Michael Schumacher at mercedes. I think the car was deemed too "lazy" for his style.

      • + 0
      • Sep 30 2017 - 09:38
    • calle.itw

      Posts: 8,527

      Yup, and Vettel werent really agreeing with the 2014 Red Bull, aside from all the engine problems.

      • + 0
      • Sep 30 2017 - 15:15

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Driver profile

FI Valtteri Bottas 77
  • Team Sauber
  • Points 1,608
  • Podiums 61
  • Grand Prix 203
  • Country FI
  • Date of b. Aug 28 1989 (35)
  • Place of b. Nastola, FI
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.73 m
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