If there is one driver who is going through the toughest period of the 2021 F1 season, it is Valtteri Bottas. Since joining Mercedes in 2017, this season has been one of his worst in more ways than one.
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Bottas’ struggles are visible to everyone on the track. In eleven races before the summer break, he achieved six podium positions without a single race win. In the drivers’ championship he is fourth with 108 points. That statistic wouldn’t be alarming if he didn’t lag behind McLaren’s Lando Norris by five points.
In addition, his part in the massive crash in Hungary does him no favors. Off the track, he’s struggling to stay focused amid rumors that George Russell will replace him next year. While saying goodbye to the Silver Arrows could hurt his title ambitions, it could help his career in more ways than one.
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Valtteri Bottas could finally step out of the shadow of Lewis Hamilton
Since he switched to the Silver Arrows, Bottas has often been overshadowed by Lewis Hamilton. He played the team game more than once when Mercedes added four Constructors’ championships. Despite having the same machines, Bottas rarely turned out to be a threat to his British team-mate in the fight for the title.
In 2018, after Michael Schumacher in 2012, he was the only Mercedes driver to remain without a win for a whole season. However, the 2018 Russian Grand Prix was really the day he was second fiddle to Hamilton. Despite having a comfortable lead, he followed team orders to let Hamilton win the race. On the podium his disappointment showed, although Hamilton put a hand on his shoulder.
Bottas’ time at Mercedes brings back memories of Felipe Massa’s role at Ferrari. Although he narrowly lost the title in 2008, the Italian team sacrificed the Brazilian more than once for Fernando Alonso after that year. Hence, moving away from Hamilton and Mercedes could give him clear headroom for future F1 seasons.
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Bottas could be a main driver for another team
Every F1 team has different ambitions. Although most of the teams are behind Mercedes and Red Bull, the 2022 season heralds a new era in F1 cars. Hence, there is no telling which team could be at the top, even though these two teams are the favorites.
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Formula 1 F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the race. Pool via REUTERS / Bryn Lennon
Should Bottas join a team like Alfa Romeo or Williams, he will undoubtedly be their main driver. He will join a team with racing experience that could help a team like these two to challenge regular scoring. In fact, the 2017 Silver Arrows recruited him for his consistent performances with Williams from 2013 to 2016.
Leaving Mercedes may look depressed to Bottas given his contribution to the team. However, a fresh start with another team could be just what he needs to get his F1 career back on track.
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The post Why Valtteri Bottas is better off leaving Mercedes F1 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
