Toto Wolff: “The obstacles are against Valtteri this year”

Arriving at the last minute before the 2017 season to replace outgoing and retiring world champion Nico Rosberg at short notice, Valtteri Bottas had made an interesting start within Mercedes, signing his first Grand Prix victory in the Russian event, before taking first position in Austria and Abu Dhabi.

If the old driver Williams remains a leading points scorer this season for the world champion team, it is without any victory under his belt that he will present this weekend at the start of the Russian Grand Prix which had been so successful for him in April 2017.

Bottas, extended for 2019 at Mercedes, retains the confidence of German management.

“For every driver the situation is very difficult because all you dream of and all you work for is to win the world championship, Explain Toto wolff, boss of Mercedes-AMG F1.

When you realize you're no longer in the race, it's very difficult to deal with. But Valtteri showed he has the speed, talent and work ethic to win in a Mercedes.

He has always been a team player and that is one of his greatest traits. Valtteri could have won races this year, but the odds were against him.

However, luck is not just a one-way street and I know Valtteri has all the attributes necessary to win at this level. He just needs to continue to work hard to improve and trust that the situation will turn out in his favor. »