© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Having taken pole at last year’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas does feel confident, but warns Mercedes will not be dominating races this year.
In 2020 Valtteri Bottas scored a fantastic pole position at Imola, but ultimately failed to win the race due to his car taking damage from debris on the track.
At the 2021 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix press conference Bottas said his performance last year does give him a confidence boost.
“Yeah it makes a difference,” the Finn admitted.
“I would say it’s easier to start the weekend, but once you start the weekend then you kind of go with it and try to make the most out of it in any case.
“At least not having driven the car yet, if you’re in a place where you’ve had previous success, it gives you confidence and a good feeling.
“But as always, we start from zero and it’s a new year and a new race.”
However, with Red Bull having the better car at the moment, Bottas warns Mercedes cannot be expected to dominate races like it did in the past.
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“I think dominating a grand prix this year will be difficult, seeing the starting point.
“You never know. We have only seen the cars on one track and we have seen quite big swings in performance from track to track. You never know but I cannot see anyone dominating this season.”
The Finn adds reliability will play a big part in this year’s championship fight.
“In terms of the first grand prix, we were reliable but in the long term, when the cars are getting older and the engines are going to have more and more races on them, we are going to find out if we have issues or not.
“It can be a good asset to have. We have reliability and being consistent and always being in the points and minimising DNFs.
“It has always been a high priority at Mercedes. This year for sure will be as well. It is not only the performance, but it is also that that counts.”
