2019 Overview – Valtteri Bottas: In the Shadow of Lewis Hamilton
The start of a new year is conducive to looking back, and it's time to analyze the drivers' performances in 2019. Motors Inside invites you to revisit Valtteri Bottas's season, during which he had his best year since his debut in Formula 1.
It’s tough to be the teammate of a six-time Formula 1 world champion. Especially when you’re driving the fastest single-seater on the grid. In this regard, the criticism was fierce towards Valtteri Bottas in 2018, after a failed and winless season.
Abandoned by his personal sponsor at the beginning of the year, the Finnish driver was determined to prove to the small world of Formula 1 that he could also fight for the world championship title. His flawless weekend in Australia allowed him to do so and to settle his scores once and for all with “those who feel concerned…”
Despite everything, his early season form, which propelled him to the lead in the championship after his victory in Azerbaijan, was short-lived. A significant slump during the summer, highlighted by his crash in Germany where he could have regained significant points against Hamilton, ended his title aspirations.
We will have to wait for the Japanese Grand Prix to see him win again after securing his seat with Mercedes, which was coveted by Esteban Ocon for 2020.
Valtteri Bottas says he has a plan of attack to counter Lewis Hamilton’s rise. His recent divorce and a one-season contract with Mercedes could weaken his plans unless his British teammate’s possible desire to move elsewhere makes him the best representative for Mercedes’ future…
