Bottas: "My driving style doesn't fit the Mercedes"
- Published on 29 Sep 2017 09:26
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- 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)
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Replies (8)
Login to replyBarron
Posts: 625
Surely that's only to be expected Valterri if the settings you're using are supplied by the, er, other driver?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yup, and Vettel werent really agreeing with the 2014 Red Bull, aside from all the engine problems.