Bottas: "I think it will be closer than in previous years"

Valtteri Bottas will kick off his fifth season with Mercedes this weekend. The Finn will be hoping to assert himself as a serious challenger to his long-time teammate Lewis Hamilton this season. Bottas agave his view on the season opener at the Bahrain International Circuit, and the chances of his team, during a press conference today.

Difficult winter tests

Mercedes didn't have an easy time during the winter tests and Bottas in particular couldn't manage many laps. Nevertheless, the Finn is confident. "As a team we have tried to make the most of the limited time we have. During testing, day one was not ideal, but then days two and three were much more productive."

Between the winter tests and the first Grand Prix of the season, it was full steam ahead for Mercedes. "We've been trying to figure out how to make the package faster and what the direction is to move forward. And we still have such a long season ahead of us."

Exciting title race

Of course, Bottas is also asked about the contenders for the world title this season and who will be Mercedes' biggest challengers. "As the biggest threat you just don't know and of course it can change during the year, but Red Bull seemed strong at least during testing. I think it will be closer than in previous years."