Mercedes have been ruling the grid since 2014 and have won every title on offer since then. However, their rivals Red Bull look to be gaining on them, as they are finally fielding a powerful car this year. So, while most believe that 2021 is the Austrian team’s year to dominate, Valtteri Bottas feels that dominating the track this year would be difficult for both teams today.

The Brackley-based squad got lucky in the opening round of the season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was the favorite to win all throughout the weekend, but Hamilton got the better of him and brought home the win.

However, Imola panned out differently, to say the least. While Bottas’ crash forced him to retire from the race, Hamilton, too, drove himself into the barriers, falling down all the way to P9. Fortunately, he made a brilliant recovery and managed to secure a P2 finish.

Valtteri Bottas doesn’t expect any team, including Mercedes, to dominate this year

Speaking after the Emilia GP, Bottas commented, “I think dominating a Grand Prix this year will be difficult seeing the starting point. We’ve seen quite big swings in performance track to track, but you never know. But I can’t see anyone really dominating this year.”

The Finn had a disappointing weekend at Imola. He only managed to qualify eighth for Sunday’s and it only got worse from there. The#77 Mercedes driver had a huge collision with George Russell, which saw them leave the GP empty-handed.

Bottas doesn’t agree that he broke the Gentleman’s code at Imola

Valtteri would like to heal from the wounds he suffered this past weekend at Imola. However, he stood his ground and doesn’t think he is the one to be blamed for the accident.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Bottas said, “I didn’t make any sudden moves. I think it’s quite clear from his onboard as well, I always left a space.

“No, from my side, it was clean. And of course I’m defending, I’m not going to make any room for him. But also when I race, I have respect. So I see it differently than him,” Bottas concluded.

The Finn will be hoping to right some wrongs in the upcoming race in Portugal. He will aim to score some points to help Mercedes fight for the constructors’ championship.

Read More: ‘Most of the Drivers’ Blamed George Russell for Crash With Bottas in Imola: Former F1 Champion