“It Was Always Quite Difficult in the Past…”- Valtteri Bottas Faults Lewis Hamilton for Repressed Role at Mercedes F1

Valtteri Bottas is a 10-time Formula 1 race winner. He has been on the podium for 36.8% of his time in Formula 1. His racing experience and ability to be a team player is an added asset to any team. However, he was under Lewis Hamilton’s shadow throughout his time at Mercedes.

Many believe this has undermined his reputation as a driver. Of course, it’s never an easy task to challenge a seven-time world champion with the fastest car on the grid. But, on his day, he can match anyone on the racetrack.

Now, at Alfa Romeo and taking on the responsibility of being the primary driver, the Finn has already showcased what he is capable of. Bottas gave his thoughts on the competition with Lewis Hamilton and how he is stepping up with Alfa Romeo right now.

Valtteri Bottas’ honest admission on competing with Lewis Hamilton

Toto Wolff and Mercedes have always stated the importance of Valtteri Bottas in the team. Formula 1 fans know the role the Finn played when the Silver Arrows ruthlessly dominated the sport. Bottas understands the hierarchy within a team and his place in it. That is an important factor for Mercedes’ success in the past few years.

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At Mercedes, he played second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton, and now he is Alfa Romeo’s, go-to man. Speaking on his time at Mercedes and Hamilton, he said, “ Absolutely. It was always quite difficult in the past to really step up. And I think Lewis also in a team is quite a dominant person in a way. It was pretty clear that I couldn’t have the same role there as what I have here.”

The Brackley-based team carefully picked Bottas after a flurry of incidents between Nico Rosberg and Hamilton. It was clear the team did not want two drivers going toe to toe for the Championship. And at Alfa Romeo, the Finn is enjoying his role as the primary driver.

Although his impressive streak of 103 appearances in Q3 came to an end, he has displayed his experience with just 3 races completed. Alfa Romeo has already picked up 13 points, the total number of points they finished with last year.

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The car has shown potential, and so has Bottas. The 32-year-old is sitting 10th in the driver’s standings with 12 points to his name. As the season progresses, where do you think Bottas will finish? Leave your predictions in the comments.