RacePictures.com

F1 News

Hamilton won't give Bottas win before end of 2018

Hamilton won't "give" Bottas win before end of 2018

08-11-2018 16:06
Author profile picture

Bobby Vincent

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has insisted that he will not "give" his team-mate Valtteri Bottas a Grand Prix win in the last two races of the season.

Despite Hamilton claiming his fifth world championship a couple of weeks ago in Mexico; the Brit has insisted he won't give his team-mate a first win of the 2018 season.

Hamilton admitted that Mercedes' decision to sacrifice Bottas' winning position in Sochi was "one of the most difficult moments" in his sensational campaign.

Some thought that Lewis may allow his team-mate to win his first race of the season, but Hamilton's winning mentality won't allow that.

Hamilton was asked by Crash.net whether Mercedes would repeat their team orders from Sochi in reverse, and the world champion replied: "The team are not going to make that call.

"If I'm in that position - it's not something I've asked Valtteri if he wants that - but I don't think he's going to want that. He's going to want to win it in his own way.

"So I don't know if I'll be doing him any favours in the sense of giving him a win, I don't think he needs that I think he thinks he can do it for himself.

"All I can do is try and make sure I'm supportive throughout the process and the weekend. I'm always really open with my set-up, so I'll continue to do so. It would be great for Valtteri to finish on a strong note, feel better in the car and finish off strong," Hamilton continued.

"I think last year he finished off strong and that really setting him up for the beginning of this year, which I think we started off strong again, so that is always naturally a good thing."