"I know I can do it," says Bottas as he aims to build on debut year at Mercedes; Finn also predicts three-way battle in 2018
Thursday 13 December 2018 15:55, UK
Valtteri Bottas is convinced he has the capabilities to be crowned Formula 1 world champion at the end of the upcoming 2018 season.
The Finn is entering his second season as a Mercedes driver after being appointed in January last year as Nico Rosberg's replacement following the then-world champion's shock retirement.
After winning three races in 2017, including the season-concluding Abu Dhabi GP, Bottas has no doubts he has what it takes to emulate both Rosberg and current team-mate Lewis Hamilton by winning the world championship.
"I believe l have all the tools," said Bottas. "I have had five seasons in F1, this is my second year with this team, and l won some races last year. So l know l can do it."
Having been surprised by the demands of adapting to his new team twelve months ago, the Finn is convinced he is better placed this year to launch a sustained title challenge now that he is fully settled into the Mercedes operation.
"This year I have had more time to focus on performance," Bottas added at the conclusion of winter testing at Barcelona. "There haven't been as many things to get used to, so it has been a smoother beginning."
Just as critically, Bottas is also feeling comfortable with his new-for-2108 car - although the process of acclimatising to the W09 will be ongoing through the season.
"Does it suit my driving style? It is up to me to adjust to the car, but it has been a good start," said Bottas. "It definitely feels a better car. What l have felt so far, with the balance and how it behaves, l think we have made some improvements."
But with the greater comfort also comes greater expectations.
As Bottas himself said at the launch of Mercedes' new car: "I think now not being a kind of rookie in this team, the team is expecting more from me. So am I."
Mercedes opted against setting any headline-grabbing lap times during pre-season running at the Circuit de Catalunya, preferring instead to focus on their long-running form.
But Bottas saw enough over the eight days of running in Spain to declare: "We definitely think it is going to be a three-team battle. Consistency is going to be the key."
