The Baku episode weighed on Bottas according to Mercedes

In the lead a few laps from the goal, Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) had lost a race almost won in Baku, Azerbaijan following a puncture on the right rear. An episode which, according to Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes-AMG F1, played a lot in the remainder of the Finn's lackluster campaign, unable to win this year with the W09.

“If he hadn't had that retirement in Baku, he would have been leading the championship at that time, Wolff comments, quoted by ESPN. So things could have taken a very, very different turn. at this stage of the season but luck was not on his side. »

Bottas was then clearly placed as support for Lewis Hamilton in the quest for a fifth world crown, Wolff indicating that the loss of motivation following this new role would be logical. The manager of the star brand, however, expects to see Valtteri Bottas at his best in 2019.

And for good reason. If by chance, the performances of the former pilot Williams were not expected to improve, the threat Esteban Ocon for the 2020 seat could be even more precise.

“We have options for Esteban for 2020, but of course he could also be an option for Mercedes, it depends on how the season goes and how Valtteri performs, argues Wolff.

Despite everything, we have not lost confidence in Valtteri. We are 100% behind him because our drivers trust us, and if we weren't behind him we might as well change now. »