Coulthard: 'Mercedes could have replaced Bottas'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Valtteri Bottas and criticism. It seems to be inextricably linked. Also last weekend in Brazil the Finn let it down at an important moment. At the start of the Grand Prix he immediately lost the lead to Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez quickly passed him. Before Bottas knew it he was already in fourth place (behind Hamilton).
Mercedes keeps its word
Despite a third place at Interlagos and therefore an even firmer spot on the lead of the constructors' championship for Mercedes, the criticism remains. This time, David Coulthard let himself be heard. The Scot told Channel 4 that Bottas should have been traded in this season for George Russell, currently driving for Williams and working for Mercedes next season.
"Was it wrong (to keep Bottas)? Undoubtedly yes," Coulthard told us. "George represents the future. It was (last year) more a case of 'Valtteri has good speed'. They are loyal to him because Bottas has a contract for 2021. So I think it's actually about Mercedes fulfilling their commitment. Because how motivated could Bottas be, knowing he's leaving the team after this season?"
Third place
Bottas will join Alfa Romeo next season. With Alfa Romeo moving to the back of the grid, this season looks like the last chance for a nice result in the final standings for now. Bottas is currently third with 203 points. That is 115,5 points behind Hamilton and 129,5 points behind leader Max Verstappen.