Currently 2nd in the Championship so has put in some decent performance. If Lewis had retired last year, Mercedes would still be leading the WDC this year with Valteri Seems to have stepped up his game Thoughts ?
bottas is proof merc has the best overall car on the grid. Nevertheless, if it has to be one of the silver cars, I'd rather it be him.
He reminds me of David Coulthard. He can win races if he is in the best car, but will never go beyond that... He has never been a WDC contender in my eye.
Bottas is a solid mid pack driver. Nothing more. I would rank him similar to Magnussen. Never, ever, will he be at the same table as Ham, Max or Leclerc.
He seems pretty average given the car's potential but what sets Bottas apart is that he is the perfect Mercedes Butler - Hamilton has shown time and again that he cannot handle anyone above Bottas' level both emotionally or performance wise - ended his friendship with Rosberg who beat him to a championship in the same car, posted stuff on social media re Button who outpointed him - at least thanks to his relationship with Alonso, Kimi bagged the WDC. Bottas is perfect for Mercedes as both team player and wing man, avoiding team conflicts especially given Hamilton's background of always being top dog in the world renowned ghetto gangs of Stevenage. Best, Sammy
Keeps his nose clean, comports himself well as number 2. No rivalry with Urkel and therefore Merc has saved face and many cars (as opposed to Rosberg) at the intangible expense of creating additional ennui within F1. Characterless and solid, he deserved the 1 year extension. 6-8 qualifying record suggests his talent is on the rise or someone else is apathetic.
Bottas is a solid driver, Beat Maldinaldo, and Massa 3 years straight. Does'nt spin much. I don't put him as the same level as Max or Leclerc but he is a solid #2 driver, reminds me of Barrichello.
Porridge Mk1 appeared to have a self confidence problem,so he goes home at the end of last year and tries to get his head together. So he comes out fighting as the new improved Mk11 ,and almost seemed convincing.Somehow things still seem to just slip away from him. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win one or two more this year.Lewis is a very tough act to beat, but if he slips up or has an off day Butler should be there to pick up the pieces. However i think he is equal to Rosberg,just needs to man up and prove it.
Certainly good enough to be at Mercedes and gain wins. Is a good qualy driver and a good team driver. Has done more than most F1 drivers do. Has wins and is in a top team. Mercedes appear pleased with him. I would hire him before I take Vettel lol!
3/10 He has way too many off days. On his day, he's actually not bad. On his off day, well....... poor Toto has to go home with a very sore hand.
He's not bad, he as proved he can be just as quick as Elton...but he lacks consistency...then again, if he had the full backing of the team things could be a bit better...but he's obviously not a top dog..."almost..but no cigar"
Good #2 driver, flashes his potential on many an occasion getting pole but through bad luck or driver error is not able to capitalize on his qualifying success consistently. No drama, isn't torpedoing his team like Vettel, seems content to be #2 WDC and get a handful of wins here and there. Would take him over Vettel any day.
I don't think anyone has a bad word to say about Bottas. Mercedes seems quite happy to have him: he brings points and don't cause problems. He even has the occasional pole and a few wins too. What's not to like about Valteri ?
How about the driver that replaced Lewis? aka Ocon. We would actually see a battle like Rosberg/Lewis not the pretend Lewis/Bottas battle we have now.