Bottas win won't upset driver harmony says Mercedes

MAY 5, 2017

Bottas win won't upset driver harmony says Mercedes

Mercedes chiefs are sure Valtteri Bottas' breakthrough win will not upset the balance in its driver lineup.

Until now, the team has been revelling in peace-time, after Nico Rosberg's retirement ended the awkward situation between the German and Lewis Hamilton.

Before Sochi, the media was even wondering if Rosberg's replacement Bottas was now a 'number 2', but then the Finn won the Russian grand prix.

"They get on well," Mercedes team chairman Niki Lauda told France's L'Equipe.

"Valtteri is discrete, he doesn't talk too much, they're both professional, so I don't see any problem with Bottas winning the race. They respect each other, which is the most important," he added.

Team boss Toto Wolff agreed: "Their relationship is intact. You can see the respect they have for each other.

"At the same time they are two fierce competitors who want to win races and fight for the title. But I don't think it will affect their relationship and the team dynamics.

"Compared to last season, it's a completely different situation," Wolff added.

(GMM)

Other stories for MAY 5, 2017

ECCLESTONE HITS BACK AFTER CAREY JIBE

MALLYA TROUBLES WON'T HURT FORCE INDIA SAYS FERNLEY

FORMER FERRARI BOSS CRITICAL AFTER CRASH

TOP TEAMS LIGHT YEARS AHEAD SAYS SAINZ

CAREY WANTS LONG TERM SPANISH GP

BOTTAS WIN WON'T UPSET DRIVER HARMONY SAYS MERCEDES

INDYCAR BOSS SAYS ALONSO MOVE GOOD FOR F1 TOO

GROSJEAN BECOMES GPDA DIRECTOR

VILLENEUVE SURPRISED BY FERRARI IN 2017

FERRARI FEARED BY MERCEDES IN 2017 SAYS MARCHIONNE