Bottas: “I’m not here to let others pass”

Unsurprisingly, the radio Valtteri Bottas began to crackle with the dreaded message: “ Lewis is behind you with a different tire strategy, don't block him ". Less modest translation: step aside.  

Since joining Mercedes in 2017, this is not the first time that the Finn has received such instructions, logical last Sunday given the scenario of the Spanish Grand Prix. 

Having opted for an aggressive and staggered 2nd stop in the hope of getting the better of Max Verstappen (Red Bull), Lewis Hamilton slipped to 3rd position, behind Bottas. With 23 seconds to make up in 23 laps, the seven-time world champion had to fight hard, without being slowed down in his recovery. 

Hamilton quickly made the connection with Bottas. The Finn, however, did not rush to comply, forcing the Briton to force the opening a little at turn 10. 

« I could have let it go sooner indeed, recognized Bottas after his 3rd place under the checkerboard. I was focused on my own race. We're still doing calculations and I was trying to push Charles away (Leclerc) outside my refueling window to stop again and try to get the best lap in the race. I had my own performance in mind. 

I was told not to hold it back too much but I was focused on my race, and I'm not here to let the others down. I'm here to fight ». 

Bottas' pseudo-resistance did not bother Hamilton in the slightest, who dived on the inside of turn 10 before carving out the road to collect a 98th career success. 

« I didn't know we sent him a message, declared the seven-time world champion. I told myself that we were facing each other and that suits me very well, especially at the start of the season. Approaching turn 10, I saw an opening, but without certainty. Valtteri was very correct ». 

Toto wolff found nothing wrong with the maneuver because he understands Bottas' frustration after another complicated race. 

« If we had lost the race because of this, I would be more critical, commented the main Mercedes team. We will talk about it among ourselves and we will learn the necessary lessons from it. ». 

Whether he accepts it or not, Bottas owes his longevity at Mercedes to his refusal to cause turmoil internally. Could he change his attitude as his replacement in 2022 seems inevitable?