Valtteri Bottas will take his Mercedes ahead of the rest of the grid on Sunday’s Turkish GP. Finally, Bottas will get a chance at race victory. However, it will not be too easy for him with Verstappen in his rear-view mirror, and Bottas knows that. Further, he also named another driver he is worried about heading into Sunday’s race.

Max Verstappen has taken advantage of a P2 start multiple times in the past. A quick move and the Red Bull will lead the race. Additionally, Verstappen has a championship lead to regain. Bottas is aware of the driver he is sharing a row with; however, Charles Leclerc in P3 could also potentially threaten the driver.

Bottas shared his concerns. “Max is obviously my main rival in the race, he’ll start next to me, but I think Ferrari also showed they were fast on the race pace.

“So I’d say that Max and Charles are the two dangers to watch out for.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Read More: Turkish GP: What Is the Starting Grid After Hamilton & Sainz’s Penalties? Who Is on Pole?

The Prancing Horses have been exceptional in Turkey. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have shown incredible pace over the weekend and this will undoubtedly reflect on Sunday’s race as well.

Valtteri Bottas weary of Hamilton’s charge

In a post-race interview, Bottas had mentioned that his primary focus would be his own race, not his teammate’s. Although the Finn knows that Hamilton’s move from P10 to the lead will be a quick one.

“I have no doubts that Lewis will try to recover as much as possible and will arrive sooner or later, but I have to think about my race. We all know Hamilton has a strong car, but it’s not easy here. But it will certainly recover.” 

In order to stay away from his teammate while simultaneously helping the team, Bottas would need to sustain his lead going into the first corner. Bottas is focused on his race; one that could potentially get him his first win of the season.

“We have a pretty good car: if I don’t make mistakes, we think we can keep Verstappen behind at the first corner, hopefully, and then strategy will play its key role. I am confident in the car, both in the dry and in the wet, I have to concentrate on myself and proceed step by step.”

As Valtteri gets his strategies in order and ready for the massive race ahead of him, we wait with bated breath to see if Bottas can finally take his lingering victory.

Watch this story: Ranking the Best Special Edition Liveries of Red Bull F1