© LAT Images for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd
Valtteri Bottas says he will “play for the team” in his final race for Mercedes and adds he prefers Lewis Hamilton to win the 2021 title, rather than “the opponent”.
Valtteri Bottas is approaching his final race with Mercedes, after five years with the team. The Finn says he has “mixed feelings” about his run.
“I think in this sport you’re never fully satisfied,” Bottas said.
“But yeah, in five years, I’ve achieved something and I’m sure that will help me in the future.
“[I have] mixed feelings. Obviously when I joined the team in 2017, the only thing on my mind was to win the drivers’ championship.
“That didn’t happen but I need to look at the positives; I’ve grown so much as a driver and as a human being, we’ve learned so much as a team and actually achieved some pretty cool things together, also many, many positives that I will take on board.”
Bottas then said he wants his time with Mercedes to end on a high, by helping the team win both championships.
“First of all, hopes for the weekend is that we get both titles, the constructors’ and the drivers’, for our team.
“That’s the focus but how we get there is not that different to any other race, we need to stay focused on things that matter.
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“I will be learning the new track profile, what it needs in terms of car set-up and go from there. Try to gather all the info we can, and you know, the preparation for this race is like any other race, it’s no different.”
Valtteri says he is one of the people excited to witness the close championship battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
“Everyone definitely feels [excited]; it’s the final race of the season and for me it’s crazy that Lewis and Max are equal on points after 21 races, and it’s like the brilliant finish for sure, for us, for the fans for sure.
“I feel there’s excitement, I’m really enjoying being part of it, we love close battles, close racing and we’re getting that.”
Ultimately, Bottas says he will support his teammate in his quest to win the 2021 title.
“Lewis doesn’t have to win the race, he just has to finish ahead of Max. I will play for the team, because I am sure of third place in the championship.
“I prefer my teammate to win than the opponent,” concluded the Finn.
