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LE CASTELLET, FRANCE: Second place qualifier Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
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LE CASTELLET, FRANCE: Second place qualifier Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP looks on in parc ferme during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of France at Circuit Paul Ricard in Le Castellet, France. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton’s immediate future in F1 appears to be in limbo. The Mercedes superstar is yet to sign a new deal; however, there have been many sticking points that have caused negotiations to come to a standstill. While the news of Hamilton’s contract status continues to hog the limelight, his teammate Valtteri Bottas doesn’t seem too perturbed.
Many have suggested a variety of theories as to why one of the most successful partnerships in F1 can’t see eye to eye. However, none of this concerns Bottas.
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The Finn had his contract renewed for another year last July due to strong performances. Since then, Bottas’ form has fallen away a bit, and the emergence of George Russell means this could be his last year with the Silver Arrows.
As such, he intends to focus on his own driving and doesn’t care who his teammate will be for the upcoming campaign.
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SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Mercedes GP prepares to drive in the garage during practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)
Valtteri was quoted by Racingnews365 saying (translated via Google), “I don’t care. All Formula 1 drivers are good, so whoever it gets, it will be tough. For now I can focus better on myself.”
Valtteri Bottas reveals his goal for the 2021 season with Mercedes
Ever since Bottas landed up at Mercedes, he has been under the shadow of Hamilton. In four seasons together, Hamilton has dominated the headlines winning consecutive world titles while Bottas seemed content with playing second fiddle in an attempt to let the Brackley-based outfit seal the Constructors’ championship.
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Formula One F1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas after the race Pool via REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
But this year, Bottas intends to change that. No doubt he would want Mercedes to continue their dominance but this time his aim is for him to be the star of the show.
He said, “Obviously I have only one goal. As a team we have been performing at the top for years now and we have won the constructors championship. My teammate has been beating me for years now, so my only goal is to beat him.
“I focus on myself and do not let me. If I do that and keep developing myself, it will be a good season.”
Can Bottas replicate what Nico Rosberg did in 2016? Can he dethrone the great Hamilton? Fans will have to wait until the 28th of March to find out.
Also Read: ‘No Idea What Goes in Their Head’ – Valtteri Bottas Fires Back at Armchair F1 Critics
