Toto Wolff says Valtteri Bottas is starting to rebuild his confidence after a performance slump late in 2017. A solid first season at Mercedes for the Finn earned him a new deal for 2018, but since the contract was signed, Bottas has notably struggled. There have even been rumours the 28-year-old's slump could cost him his seat.
But Mercedes boss Wolff said at Suzuka that he was satisfied with Bottas' performance on Sunday. "It is good that he starts to get his confidence back," he told Ilta Sanomat newspaper. "Valtteri drove a really good race. It has been difficult for him lately, but he is moving in a better direction now," Wolff added. "And when he has recovered, he will be stronger than ever." (GMM)
Wolff: "Bottas moving in a better direction now"
- Published on 09 Oct 2017 15:21
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- By: Rob Veenstra
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Replies (3)
Login to replyajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Lewis wins 4 of the last four races and Bottas has been on the podium how many times? Yeah... I don't think he drove a very good race on Sunday. It would have been good if he had been driving a Williams. With a Mercedes he should have been at least in close contention for the podium.
ZUKMAN
Posts: 40
Don't forget how mercedes used Valteri "Roadblock" Bottas to stop Verstapen in last race.
If they didn't do it he might've been on the poduim.
Patentprutser
Posts: 396
It's clear Wolff is satisfied, Bottas is placed slightly in to second driver while on track. Wolff is satisfied, Bottas surely not!