Bottas wouldn't want anyone to replace Hamilton as Mercedes teammate
F1 News
- Jake Williams-Smith
Valtteri Bottas says he wouldn't want anyone to replace Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes as his teammate.
The Finn has predominantly played second best to his five-time world champion teammate however Bottas' form has improved in 2019 substantially and he welcomes the challenge.
Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Bottas admitted that Hamilton has set a tough benchmark to reach however he added that it has been a useful point of reference in helping the 29-year-old improve his performances relative to the reigning champion.
“Lewis has been World Champion many times, so being his team-mate is great, as a good reference and benchmark, It’s also a good opportunity to have a very strong team,” Bottas told Crash.net.
“On the other hand, of course, you’re always competing against your team-mate, you’re always being compared to your own team-mate, so for sure it’s not easy to be his team-mate.
“It’s always difficult to be ahead of him, but I know it’s possible and it has been closer and closer as we work together in the team. I see it as a great opportunity and I wouldn’t choose any other teammate, even if they would be easier for me.”
Bottas currently leads the world championship from his teammate in second by a single point, courtesy of an additional point for fastest lap back at the Australian Grand Prix.