Lewis Hamilton Explains Valtteri Bottas ‘Best Teammate’ Comment Amidst F1 Backlash

Earlier this season, it was announced that Valtteri Bottas will depart Mercedes at the end of the year to join Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season. Lewis Hamilton, Bottas’ teammate, had declared that he was the best teammate that he had, which created a rift within the F1 community, as many would assume that Nico Rosberg was among the best ones.

However, the seven-time world champion cleared the air regarding his statements about Bottas. He stated that both pushed each other to be better drivers and helped the team clinch several constructors’ titles.

Lewis Hamilton explains why he pointed to Bottas for being the best teammate

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, Hamilton said, “I recently commented on my current teammate and said he was the best teammate, but you have to see what this definition means. We are in a sport where we try to win two different championships, we both try to win the drivers ‘title, but our job is to win the constructors’ title too.

“So we have to work together. For the first time, I had a teammate with whom I really communicated. “You know I felt this …”, “I had this feeling” … Without hiding anything from us, trying to improve each other, helping each other to be our best version.

“It had never happened with other pilots before. It is something unique. And as a human being it’s fantastic, once you get off the track you talk like a gentleman. No tricks,” Hamilton concluded. (Translated via Google Translate)

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Can Hamilton and Bottas lead Mercedes into glory?

The duo has helped the Silver Arrows pick up four world titles since they began their partnership back in 2017. Now, as Bottas leaves the team to join Alfa Romeo next year, they hope they can end on a high.

Currently, the Brackley-based squad leads the table with 397.5 points. With a few more races to go this season, the Mercedes duo hopes to pick up their fifth title, taking the total to eight constructors’ championships.

What has been your favorite Hamilton – Bottas moment at Mercedes? Let us know in the comments below.

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