Valtteri Bottas Explains Why Mercedes F1 Have an ‘Upper Hand’ Over Red Bull at French GP

Mercedes and Valtteri Bottas were looking in prime position to get the pole at Paul Ricard on Saturday. Bottas at the end of qualifying finished P3 behind Max Verstappen and teammate Lewis Hamilton. The Finn led the FP1 session and had a more competitive car as compared to his teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Max and Red Bull have surprised everyone with their pace because Paul Ricard is a circuit that suits Mercedes better. Although he finished P3 at the end of qualifying, Bottas was upbeat as he thinks that they have a car to challenge Red Bull for the win and a have better package.

When asked if he was confused with finishing P3, Valtteri said “ Not confused but just not fully satisfied.”

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We have an upper hand on Red Bull: Bottas

Bottas stated Mercedes is between the Red bulls and can get them with a better strategy on race day. The other Red Bull of Sergio Perez finished P4 and will keep a close eye on the front three and try to pass them to further help Max Verstappen in the race.

“I think we have an upper hand on that, looking for the win. I think race pace-wise, it would be close so I’m sure it would be an interesting race but you know anything is still possible from P3 for me,” said Bottas when asked about Mercedes having two cars in the Top-3.

French Grand Prix is an important weekend for Valtteri Bottas

Bottas has been struggling this season to perform on the same level as teammate Lewis Hamilton. His poor performances on track have also given life to reports of Russell replacing him in Mercedes for next season.

French Grand Prix is an important weekend for Bottas as he has to perform and win the race and also silence the rumors of having being replaced at the Silver Arrows.

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The weekend has started on a promising note as he seems to have the pace and the car to challenge Hamilton and Verstappen both on Sunday. He was also quicker than his teammate throughout the weekend barring the last lap of Q3.

What do you think? Can Bottas win on Sunday to get his season back on track? Comment below to let us know.