Valtteri Bottas says he is definitely ready for a challenge like Alfa Romeo at this point in his career. Expert Jukka Mildh estimates that the stable suffered a big loss in previous tests.
17.3. 06:33 • Updated March 17th. 08:10
Valtteri Bottas leaves the dubious situation for the F1 season in Bahrain over the weekend.
The Finn toured the track 68 times on the last day of the F1 tests, but left Alfa Romeo in the middle of the day due to a technical fault. The stable suffered from reliability problems both in Bahrain and in the past in Barcelona.
According to Bottas, however, Alfa Romeo has taken a clear step forward in terms of performance compared to Vime. However, the starting points for the beginning of the season are not ideal, says Sport’s F1 expert Jukka Mildh.
– The tests did not go exactly as planned. There were a lot of faults in the car in Barcelona. Parts came off and there were other things. The stable lost a lot of track time and with the current, low number of tests before the start of the season, it’s a big loss, Mildh says.
In F1 tests, you shouldn’t just stare at lap times, as many top-end teams tend to keep their true pace hidden before the opening weekend. Bottas, for example, managed to flash the pace of his stable by shaking 1.32,985 for the fifth fastest time on Saturday before his break.
The story continues after the statistics.
– It is difficult to compare the performance because we do not know what everyone has tested and at what petrol and engine power the laps have been run, Mildh says, but considers Alfa Romeo to be quite good compared to others.
– It would seem that Alfa Romeo has solved its problems. It remains to be seen how much critical matters they have had resolved next weekend.
The best version of Bottas
Bottas is starting a completely new situation for the beginning of the formula period. The biggest change is in the car, as Alfa Romeo is clearly behind Mercedes in advance.
However, Alfa Romeo Bottas gets to build a longer-term project, and he doesn’t have to consider his sequel every year thanks to his multi-year contract. The Bottas agreement covers the periods 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The situation is mentally much easier compared to the pressures of the top stable.
The Finn, who has won two World Championship silver and World Championship bronze, feels that he still has a lot to learn and give to the sport.
– Of course, I always look at things where I can be better. I also really feel like I can only be the best version of myself now instead of trying to be something else and trying too much.
From now on, Bottas does not need to compare himself to the seven-time world champion of the sport, Lewis to Hamilton. This time, Bottas is the team’s number one driver when the teammate is 22 years old Guanyu Zhouthe first Chinese F1 driver in history.
– Being in the spotlight is not always a good thing, especially when compared to the best F1 driver ever in the world, and I dare say that Lewis Hamilton is such. Living by her side is not easy, Mildh says.
– Bottas knows he has a more stable position than before. The atmosphere is more meaningful and the atmosphere is probably much more liberated. I think the transfer to Alfa Romeo is also Motivating. The last five years have not been easy, Mildh recalls.
Level of requirements for the pin
Mildh believes Bottas, who has been learning from Mecedes for the past five years, has had a major impact on the development of the car, but also on the culture and practices of the stable. According to the expert, the Finnish experience is very valuable.
– Driving at the World Championships shows how resources are used, how to get people to work in front of the driver and how to express their views on the car so they can get through.
– One big significant thing is that he has to insist. He has to dare to insist because the stable also wants and needs it. In this way, the stable can also move forward.
The story continues after the statistics.
His career ended last season Kimi Räikkönen in the era, the Alfa Romeo was stuck at the base of the F1 series. In Räikkönen’s last season, the stable no longer wanted to develop its car, but from April the mechanics were completely threatening with this season’s car.
According to Mildh, it is difficult to judge what Alfa Romeo’s pace may be enough this season. With the new cars, there are plenty of questions about not only Alfa Romeo, but also other garages in terms of both reliability and racing speed.
– If I understand correctly, Alfa Romeo has money close to the budget ceiling of $ 140 million. It’s a good thing that the owners are committed, they have good engineers as well as an excellent team spirit. It should get pretty far, Mildh ponders.
According to Mildh, the first thing to succeed is that Alfa Romeo’s car would be reliable from the beginning of the season.
– It is clear that the beginning is a pain for them. However, Bottas has set out to develop the stable, he has a long contract and the stable has all the potential to develop. The podium player needs a special situation, Mildh says.
However, Mildh would like Bottas to drive fast from solid points.
– Then I don’t mean one point or two points, but more points.
– I dare to bet and I hope this looks better than during Räikkönen’s time. There is such a big change behind that I think we are moving for the better.
The F1 season begins on Sunday with a Bahrain race, which is followed, as usual, on ‘s website moment by moment.