Bottas is a beaten man - Villenueve

Valtteri Bottas has always had to play second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes and could lose his seat next season with Esteban Ocon waiting in the wings. Jacques Villeneuve believes the Finn is a beaten man on the eve of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

Bottas failed to compete in 2018 with Hamilton and Vettel dominating as well as Max Verstappen getting the better of him in the latter parts of last season. Bottas was close to achieving pole position for the Australian Grand Prix which would’ve been a statement of intent but was just beaten by teammate Hamilton.

Villeneuve reflected on the Finn’s qualifying session and doesn’t see much fight left in him.

Speaking on Sky Italia he said: “Bottas I see it already beaten.

“He had pole position with half a second on Hamilton.

“In the next round, he was under pressure and was beaten by Lewis.”

Despite being critical of Bottas Villeneuve was very complimentary of Mercedes as a team.

“Hamilton was impressive today, and he signed the pole under pressure, the only driver among those at the head to improve at the end.

“Seeing how strong the Mercedes has been was amazing,” he added.