In Formula One, teammates are expected to work together to benefit the team. However, there are instances when a driver would prioritize his best interest. Mercedes’s Valtteri Bottas is doing exactly that at the Turkish Grand Prix this weekend.

The Finn put in the second-fastest lap times in Q3. However, his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who topped the timesheets will receive a 10-place grid penalty in Sunday’s race due to a partial engine change. As a result, Bottas will now start tomorrow’s race from pole.

The Silver Arrows find themselves in the middle of a fierce battle against rivals, Red Bull. Hence, they hope to see Hamilton and Bottas working together to bring a good result. But the Finnish driver is not concerned about Lewis and will focus on himself.

Valtteri Bottas states his goals for the Turkish Grand Prix

As quoted by Formule1, Bottas said, “Everything went according to plan for the team. For Lewis this was the minimum grid penalty and I’m starting from pole, so it’s going to be a good race.”

“I’ll just focus on my own race tomorrow, that’s how it should be if you start first. I’m going to do my best to get a good pace,” Bottas concluded. (Translated via Google Translate)

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The Finn is hoping to extend Mercedes’ lead in the championship

The Silver Arrows were hoping to see Bottas and Lewis start from the front. However, with Lewis getting a grid penalty for changing a part of his engine, the Brackley-based squad hopes Valtteri can lead the way.

As it stands, Mercedes lead the championship and have a 33-point gap to Red Bull, who find themselves in second place in the standings. The Toto Wolff-led team wishes to see Hamilton gain positions and, hope to see Bottas handling the pressure put by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

With less than a day to go for race day, what are your predictions for Bottas at the Turkish Grand Prix in Istanbul? Let us know in the comments below.

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