© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Although after the Belgian Grand Prix Valtteri Bottas sits 50 points behind Lewis Hamilton in the championship standings, the Finn isn’t giving up.
Bottas had a strong start to the 2020 season, with a dominant win in the Austrian Grand Prix, however soon after Lewis Hamilton managed to regain his usual top spot in the championship standings. A few unfortunate races even relegated the Finn to third in the standings, behind Max Verstappen. However, the Finn isn’t giving up on his championship hopes.
“The fact is that it’s not over. There’s ten or something races,” said Bottas.
“Obviously I had that one kind of a DNF with a puncture at Silverstone, lost points with that. If I would give up now then I would rather stay home, so I will keep pushing, I will still keep trying to find anything from myself that I can and it is just really trying to perfect everything.
“I didn’t in qualifying. Lewis was on pole, he was faster on that lap, then with that pole he could turn it into a win.
“The weekend really starts with qualifying, trying to be on pole and then those weekends that don’t go for you, you really need to maximise the points.
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“I felt, for a long time now – actually this week has been at least like a smooth weekend, without any issues, just the qualifying was not good enough, but I’m working on everything, I’m trying but there’s still many positives I can take.
“I feel my race pace this year has been better than any year before, so that’s a positive, so I feel like always in the race I’m there and I can fight for it so now it’s just about trying to perform better and more consistently in qualifying sessions.”
Hamilton’s incredible qualifying pace definitely isn’t helping the Finn in his quest to win the 2020 champiobship.
“I found it hard to match [Hamilton’s Belgian GP pole lap],” continued Bottas.
“Of course it always comes from so many details, the out laps, getting the tyres in the perfect window, front and rear, the set-up and driving style and when that one lap counts yes, yeah, Lewis has been really consistent, not making any mistakes in qualifying.
“As you look at the numbers, he has had the upper hand this year in qualifying, which honestly pisses me off, but I’m trying and I do enjoy the challenge and I can’t wait for the next qualifying session next weekend.”
