Valtteri Bottas left the Mercedes team after the end of the 2021 season. The Finn had five successful years with the team as he helped them win five Constructors’ Championships from 2017 to 2021. But during his tenure, he was often criticized for failing to challenge Hamilton in the races.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko also mentioned Bottas’ inability to overtake in midfield. He compared the skills of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas in clearing midfield in races.
WATCH STORY: Toto Wolff Swears Valtteri Bottas Bares: The Funniest Moments From Driving To Surviving
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Marko calls Valtteri Bottas a loser when overtaking
As Planetf1 reports, the Austrian called the Finn a loser because he couldn’t clear the midfield in quick succession. He compared Valtteri Bottas’ racing skills to Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez and mentioned that the Mexican doesn’t have overtaking problems like him.
“That’s the big difference between him and Bottas, who is a loser when overtaking. He’s super fast, but he can’t overtake in traffic,” said Marko.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
Formula One F1 – Turkish Grand Prix – Intercity Istanbul Park, Istanbul, Turkey – October 7, 2021, Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas during a news conference in front of the Turkish Grand Prix Pool via REUTERS/Sedat Suna
Assessing Perez’s performance in the 2021 season, Marko revealed he would love to see the Mexican rider at the front of the grid.
“If you start ninth or eleventh, all the qualities he has [Perez] No doubt that didn’t help you in the race. He drove in x races at the same level as Verstappen, [but] it just fizzles out when you’re done [the field]”said the Red Bull adviser.
DISPLAY
The article continues below this ad
While the Austrian correctly appreciates the Finn’s mistake, calling him a loser is disrespectful. Bottas has shown his skills at many races this season, such as the Italian Grand Prix, passing midfield. Admittedly, these cases are rare and you can see where Marko comes from. What do you make of it? Do you agree with Marko?
DIVE DEEPER
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24/7 coverage, the latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
