By Fraser Lloyd
Since 2017, the Mercedes F1 Team has been represented by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. As a fan, this is my ideal line-up, as for some time before it was a reality, these are the two guys who I wanted to see as teammates. What better team for them to be teammates at as well!
In their three seasons together, Lewis and Valtteri have delivered three title doubles for the team, as well as many pole positions, wins and podiums. Not only that, but they get along very well and have a great amount of respect for one another, a key element for any Formula 1 team.
In these three seasons, Lewis has taken all three titles, however it is apparent that Valtteri is continuing to improve, as he is able to learn a great deal off of his teammate, and in some cases vice versa. He even said himself that he hasn’t reached his peak yet.
There have been many points where the two have had some great wheel to wheel racing, such as Baku, USA and Silverstone of last season. In all cases the racing was clean and you can tell that there is a great sense of trust, allowing the duo to engage in such battles without jeopardising the team’s position.
Throughout their time together, there have been moments that further justify the respect between them. For example, Lewis rushing to find Valtteri after Baku 2018, where he felt the wrong man had won. Then there is the gesture from Hamilton at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, where he kept his word and allowed Bottas back through after failing to overtake the Ferraris. Moments like these show that despite the strong desire from everyone to win, it is equally important to play the team game, something both proved they are willing to do.
After yesterday’s (very) interesting news regarding Ferrari signing Carlos Sainz and completing their 2021 line-up, next year should hopefully see both Lewis and Valtteri remain with Mercedes for a fifth consecutive year.
With Valtteri ever-improving and Lewis in his prime, I can’t wait to see the two go head to head when F1 returns. Hopefully with that there will be another double title success as well, further consolidating what I believe: You needn’t look further for THE modern day Formula 1 dream team.
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