Driving style doesn't match Mercedes car says Bottas

SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

Driving style doesn't match Mercedes car says Bottas

Valtteri Bottas, Malaysian GP 2017
© RV Press

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)

Other stories for SEPTEMBER 29, 2017

PRACTICE 2 REPORT - CRASHER FASTER

FRIDAY PHOTOS

FRIDAY PRESS CONFERENCE

FRIDAY TEAM QUOTES

SAINZ TO FINISH SEASON WITH TORO ROSSO

BOTTAS TO MAKE OWN TEAM ORDER DECISIONS SAYS HAMILTON

PRACTICE 2 RESULTS

DRIVING STYLE DOESN'T MATCH MERCEDES CAR SAYS BOTTAS

ALONSO EYES NEW MCLAREN DEAL BEFORE AUSTIN

TOO EARLY TO PREDICT ASTON MARTIN-POWERED FUTURE SAYS RICCIARDO

CULTURE EXPLAINS F1'S SEPANG DEMISE SAYS RICCIARDO

VANDOORNE HAPPY AS HONDA SLOWS 2017 DEVELOPMENT

STROLL UNSURE OF 2018 WILLIAMS TEAMMATE

WEHRLEIN MORE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT F1 FUTURE

KVYAT WILL MAYBE RETURN IN 2017 SAYS GASLY

HAMILTON EYES MERCEDES CONTRACT TALKS

PALMER EYEING LONG TERM INDYCAR SWITCH FOR 2018

PRACTICE 1 REPORT - THE FINAL COUNTDOWN

PRACTICE 1 RESULTS