Valtteri Bottas sends strong message to Mercedes regarding equality with Lewis Hamilton

Valtteri Bottas was plagued by bad fortune last season, as at different times during the season, either the Mercedes strategy team or the car itself decided to peg things back for the Finn.

He was mentally exhausted by the end of the 2019 season, but vows to come back strong this season and not be a pushover.

Valtteri Bottas had to make way for Lewis Hamilton last season, as after the initial part of the season it was clear that only one Mercedes driver was in the race for the driver’s championship.

But with the new season making drivers start from scratch, Valtteri Bottas has sent out a message to Mercedes, admitting that he expects to start out on equal footing to Lewis Hamilton.

An oil leak on my first lap meant we only got a few laps on the board today.
Team got the car back together and I look forward to tomorrow morning 👍🏼🏁

Read about Test 2 Day 1:https://t.co/XHJfZ58P0p#VB77 #F1 #F1testing@MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/Uw4rA9ZOE5

— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) February 26, 2019

From Technical Editor @JakeyyBL in Barcelona: "Before Bottas came to a halt after Turn 3, he'd gone out on the old wing from last week with the inwash endplates.

Evidently Mercedes fancied doing some comparison runs, but the Finn's truncated running has delayed that somewhat." pic.twitter.com/k7S7dw2pMR

— Autosport (@autosport) February 26, 2019

“I think we are very clear about it.” Valtteri Bottas said as quoted by lta Sanomat newspaper.

“Certainly at the beginning of the year we will be equal.

“If at some point there are clear point differences then it (team orders) may be possible.” he added

Ferrari have not quite openly commented about having number 2 drivers, but this season, when asked who would get priority between Vettel and Leclerc, Vettel’s name has been thrown around.

Valtteri Bottas spoke about Ferrari’s driver strategy and the Leclerc issue that they might have to deal with.

“They’ve made certain choices in the past, but now less often,” Bottas said.

“There is only one season behind Leclerc. Maybe they will allow him to grow and develop.” he added.

Valtteri Bottas also made sure he commented on the ailing Williams team, wishing them luck for the upcoming season.

“Hopefully they will be able to drive and the car will work well,” Bottas said.

“It’s not nice when I know the team and there’s still a lot of the same people there. I wish them all the best.” he concluded.