Valtteri Bottas is currently in the middle of his fifth season for Mercedes, which is expected to come to a standstill in late 2021. And of course, despite the sloppy current season, Bottas has undoubtedly played a decisive role in winning Mercedes the constructors ‘title and his teammate Lewis Hamilton the drivers’ titles.
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The fact that he was able to impress a top team like Mercedes in the first season in 2017 was therefore unbelievable. Bottas, however, revealed that it wasn’t that easy considering he had to replace a world champion and expectations of him had increased.
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What did Valtteri Bottas say?
In an exclusive interview with HYPEBEAST, Bottas revealed that he had big footsteps to fill as his predecessor Nico Rosberg was about to retire after winning an F1 title. The Finn also expected that there would always be pressure to deliver every season, which could be mentally exhausting.
“I definitely had big footsteps to fill. You’re replacing a guy who just won the World Cup and then decided to quit, ”he said.
Formula 1 F1 – Bahrain Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – March 28, 2021 Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes after the pool race via REUTERS / Lars Baron
“I was next in line and the team chose me so confidently. There is always some form of pressure in this sport. But it was a big leap in my career and I had to make sure that I got the most out of the opportunity to perform and get a new contract for the following year, ”added Bottas.
How Bottas won the trust of Mercedes
Bottas revealed that the 2017 Russian Grand Prix was one of the groundbreaking race weekends to win the trust of Mercedes. The Finn defeated his masterful teammate Hamilton and secured his first win in Sochi.
“I have to do that almost every year, because you always have to prove yourself in this sport. I think over the years you learn to deal with it. And luckily I only needed a few races in the season to get my first win, which the team has trusted, ”Bottas revealed.
Formula 1 F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes after retiring from the REUTERS / David W Cerny race
However, Bottas is currently losing the conspiracy with Mercedes. After a weak end of 2020, Bottas’ start to 2021 was anything but spectacular. Despite the halftime of the season, Bottas is still looking for his first win.
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So, after counting Mercedes days, can Bottas end his phase with the Brackley outfit with one swing? We will know in time.
View history: Toto Wolff swears, Valtteri Bottas Bares: The funniest moments from the journey to survival
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The post Valtteri Bottas reveals how Nico Rosberg increased his pressure when he joined Mercedes F1 in 2017 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
