Bottas: Most difficult races are where I can learn

Valtteri Bottas says his ‘up and down’ maiden year with Mercedes has given him opportunities to improve as he aims to match Lewis Hamilton’s feats in 2018.

The Finnish driver has taken two Formula 1 race wins plus 10 additional rostrums for Mercedes so far this year but looks set to finish third in the drivers’ championship behind Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

While feeling positive about his performances having stepped up as a late replacement for the retiring Nico Rosberg last winter, Bottas concedes he must improve his consistency and race performances to close the gap on team-mate Hamilton who sealed the F1 world title with two races to spare.

“I think the balance sheet is a bit up and down for me. There were many good moments and performances but many disappointments as well,” Bottas said. “The main thing for me is that I grew as a driver and learned a huge amount I can take that for the future.

“But Lewis won the title as my team-mate so I had a car good enough for it and he has beat me this year. I’ve learned from that and I know what I have to aim to for next year.”

Bottas did relish taking his maiden F1 win which came in Russia, followed by his second victory in Austria, and hopes more can follow in 2018.

“The best achievement was my first win – it took me more than 80 races in Formula One to achieve it, so that was something really unique, something really special, that you will always remember,” he said. “But it’s a moment that also makes you more hungry for the future.

“I think those difficult races were the ones in which I’ve been able to learn the most. This year, in general, has given me a lot to work from and I’m always willing, because it’s always positive to try and improve and be better.”