Toto Wolff Explains Cryptic Radio Remark to Valtteri Bottas Before Crucial Q3 Run

Valtteri Bottas has been quite open about the challenges of battling against Lewis Hamilton each racing weekend. As the Finn gives it his all, it tends to get exhausting by the end of the weekend. The Mercedes boss, Toto Wolff, was heard giving Bottas a few words of encouragement during qualifying.

“All you have, Valtteri,” Wolff told Valtteri ahead of the final few runs in Q3 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Such communication between team bosses and drivers during the session is not unheard of. However, it is not common for Toto Wolff to do something like this.

Meanwhile, Wolff explained that this was a result of a change of approach. Valtteri Bottas requested for a bit of open dialogue between the team and the driver and this in-session message was in furtherance of Valtteri’s request.

Wolff said. “It’s always tricky when you talk to the driver before qualifying or the race. But it’s something we discussed. And he said, I need a little feedback from you, it is always good.”

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Wolff explains the reason behind Valtteri Bottas’ request

Valtteri Bottas did not enjoy the best of outings at the Sakhir Grand Prix. He did finish ahead of George Russell, but if it wasn’t for Russell’s rear puncture, the result would have been devastating for Bottas.

Wolff stated that Bottas and he had a lengthy talk about things post the Sakhir Grand Prix. He said, “Obviously when the championship was lost, it’s always difficult to cope with it. And that’s why he said, let’s talk a little bit more.”

Wolff further pointed out that during the talks he pointed out that there were times he felt a lack of support. Bottas mentioned that there were times he would have preferred some more support around him.

Wolff further added, “He can always talk to us if he wants. The last days, we’ve had a chat about different things, and we’re a team.

“We support each other if we feel like. And if you can support another person in the team with encouragement or certain words, you do it.”

Valtteri Bottas has suffered a tough season. It all started with a win. However, a subsequent series of sub-par outings have left him outside the race for the title.

Such a result could impact the driver. Bottas will look forward to finishing the season at P2 and will hope that the string of bad luck ends with the season.