WATCH: Valtteri Bottas credits his beard for Australian GP win

Valtteri Bottas silenced his critics in perfect fashion during the Australian GP weekend, after an entire season of criticism because of below-par performances.

The Finn was confident of changing things up for this season, having put in some important work in the off-season with respect to his mental and physical conditioning.

Coming up against Lewis Hamilton does take a lot off any driver and Bottas surely felt the heat of it last season. He addressed that fact and has come rejuvenated and determined for this season; something that was evident in Melbourne.

The media is now trying to figure out what exactly changed for the Finn, and the Bahrain GP drivers press conference gave the media the chance to put that question to him.

The new-found, relaxed Bottas came up with the best possible answer, showing his hilarious side, something that is also a testament to how relaxed he is this season.

Interviewer to Bottas: You said Australia was the best race of your career, why do you think that was, Is it Becuase this year Mercedes suits you better than either of the previous two?

Valtteri Bottas: IT MUST BE THE BEARD

Interviewer to Bottas: You said Australia was the best race of your career, why do you think that was, Is it Becuase this year Mercedes suits you better than either of the previous two?

Valtteri Bottas: IT MUST BE THE BEARD 🧔😂#F1 #BahrainGP pic.twitter.com/Bwko5EaRCr

— Eau rouge (@Insidef1) March 28, 2019

Bottas would be hoping for a repeat of Melbourne this time round as well, so that he can create some breathing space at the top, away from Hamilton, Verstappen, Vettel and the others.

Mercedes were strongest in Melbourne, but Ferrari seem to have worked on their package and could be strong at Bahrain once again, just like last year.

The Bahrain GP promises to be a cracker.