The current F1 season could potentially mark the end of Mercedes’s alliance with Valtteri Bottas as George Russell eagerly awaits to replace the Finn. Of course it wasn’t an easy phase for Bottas.
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The Mercedes driver starts well every season and shows signs of fighting for the title. As the season progresses, however, his priorities change from winning the title to helping team-mate Lewis Hamilton take on the title.
Will his possible farewell year at Mercedes turn out differently?
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Well, unfortunately the answer is no.
Although Bottas is likely to end his five-year relationship wearing the Brackley outfit, Bottas may not get his long-awaited goodbye.
Why, you might ask?
Well, the battle for the title this season has intensified, with Mercedes facing a massive threat from Max Verstappen. In order to help Hamilton defeat the Dutchman, Toto Wolff has therefore apparently asked Bottas to play the British winger.
What did Toto Wolff say?
As reported by PlanetF1, Wolff revealed that for Bottas, who has the slightest chance of winning the title for the two Mercedes drivers, team orders will remain a factor this season.
“It’s very important because, statistically, his chances of winning the championship are very slim compared to Lewis who is very strong in combat,” he said.
Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4th, 2021 Mercedes-Valtteri Bottas celebrates second place with the trophy on the podium pool via REUTERS / Christian Bruna
“We discussed that. And as hard as it is for a driver, there is no room for a head start in this year’s championship, ”said the Austrian.
Bottas is currently fighting hard alongside Sergio Perez and Lando Norris for P3 in the drivers’ championship. While the former made impressive use of Red Bull’s pace, the latter delivered consistent performance over every race weekend.
Valtteri Bottas, a great team-mate at Mercedes: Wolff
The Mercedes boss praised Bottas’ presence at Brackley, who played a crucial role in creating a balance within the team.
“Knowing my relationship with Valtteri makes him a great teammate. I’ve always said that, ”said Wolff. “And to be honest, I have the feeling that we currently have the best pairing when it comes to the balance in the team and knowing how to develop our car.
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Formula 1 F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 4, 2021 McLaren team boss Toto Wolff before the race pool via REUTERS / Christian Bruna
“That will change at some point. I won’t be here forever, and neither will Valtteri. But at the moment I think that we have done well over the years and will do that, we will continue to do so. “
Overall, a breakthrough could soon go in the direction of Bottas, which is linked to a seat at Alfa Romeo. After being the second driver for over five years, can Bottas finally be given the opportunity to lead an F1 racing team for the next season? Only time can tell.
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The post Wolff confirms bad news for Valtteri Bottas amid the probable departure of the 2021 season with Mercedes first appeared on monter-une-startup.
