Bottas has 'no reason' to doubt his F1 abilities
- Published on 14 Jul 2020 09:03
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Valtteri Bottas says he has no reason to doubt his abilities following Lewis Hamilton's display at the Styrian Grand Prix weekend.
Bottas entered the event haven taken the season-opening race win at the Red Bull Ring - however, Hamilton enjoyed a trouble-free weekend last time out, taking pole position by 1.2 seconds and dominating during the race.
In 2019, Bottas' title hopes faded following the opening portion of the season with Hamilton building up a 62 point lead in the standings before the summer break.
MORE: Styrian Grand Prix driver ratings
MORE: How Hamilton proved he's still F1's kingpin
The Finn is confident he will put on more of a challenge this time around, and is not deterred by the strong performances from his teammate.
“I think in any sport, and especially in Formula 1, it’s quite a special sport, it’s quite easy to doubt yourself,” Bottas said.
“But for the moment I have no reason to. Obviously, over the years you find the right tools, how to find your confidence and the trust in yourself and what you are doing. I have no reason to doubt any of my ability or skills.”
MORE: Bottas: Second place was about 'damage limitation' after qualifying
Bottas says he is encouraged by the first weekend in Austria when he managed to hold off Hamilton for the duration of the race to take his eighth career win.
“I know Lewis had a strong weekend [in Styria]. He did a good job. Also, based on last weekend, I know what I’m capable of.
“I really feel many improvements in my driving since last year, so that’s why I’m confident it’s going to be a good battle for the Championship this year.
“So, I’m not going to let one weekend, even multiple weekends, drag me down. I’ve learned that. Just going to focus on the job and improving myself as we go.”
Last year, Bottas recorded his highest ever finishing position in the drivers' standings, ending the year in second place.
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Replies (11)
Login to replyJuJuHound
Posts: 352
It's funny how people change their mind and opinions quite fast. After 1st race Valtteri was praised, named champion of 2020, now after good race but finishing second and due to lower grid place he is called somebody who cannot stand Lewis' pace.
Dert38
Posts: 377
The problem is he is not smart enough to learn, and in F1 you need to. I'd very like to see Sergio Perez in his place. The only driver who outperformed Jenson Button, most talented driver i've ever seen...
Manto02
Posts: 93
Xcuse me, in which planet Perez beat Button on the same car?
Dert38
Posts: 377
In McLaren obviously, and they were forced to expel him, as they were Jenson's team
Snooky
Posts: 121
Dert Perez isn’t exactly a team player In that he has a history of battling too hard against competitive team mates. You need to be a selfish person to be in F1 but some of his on track behaviour doesn’t work when you’ve got a struggling team. Most talented? No. That’s too far. As much as I don’t like him, Lewis Hamilton for a start is more talented, I could go on but don’t think it’s needed
Manto02
Posts: 93
Again, in which planet? Perez ended the championship with 49 points and button with 73, and the races where he did a better than button were only four in the whole championship
Dert38
Posts: 377
Manto02 earth obviously, points not always do show you know it, Perez still lacks some experience in hot situations, but he was pacy as fk, and don't forget Mc is very nationally pride team, and Jenson is hugely talented and was much more experienced
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Bottas is just a marginally slower version of Rosberg, who was fast enough to rattle Lewis on long stretches of the season. Valteri, however, has never rattled Lewis. Not even a little bit. Don't get me wrong, Valteri is very good, and fast enough to beat Lewis in a straight fight. But he can only do it rarely. I expect more of the same this year. Bottas will win 3 races and be nowhere in the title fight.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Merc evidently not looking for a comparable driver to Lewis. They are quite comfortable with their gap to the rest of the grid. If i am Russell, would look for alternative employment.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
The fact is Claire signed 3 years contract with Russel and she doesn't want to release him before as done with Bottas ended up with Massa and Stroll what ended up in tears.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
He shouldn't be in F1 if he has doubts and Mercedes intention to extend in 2021 will do no harm for his confidence. I don't think he s hard enough, he's no Rosberg.