Valtteri Bottas is sounding bullish about the 2020 Formula 1 season after the year began with media dubbing him as ‘Bottas 2.0’ when he enjoyed a boost of form, but ultimately he finished 87 points behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton in the title race.
“I have found a new strength and energy for this year,” Bottas, who recently announced his split with wife Emila, told the Finnish broadcaster MTV.
“There’s still time to go through things and get ready, but things have started already. Basically, I’m ready to jump in the car now. My performance hasn’t peaked yet,” he added.
However, 30-year-old Bottas will also be nervous about 2020, as he has been given only a one-year contract extension yet again by Mercedes, the dominant team since 2014.
“All mistakes must be eliminated. Last year, sometimes I paid for that in points but there is and will be more momentum than before. There is no doubt about that,” he acknowledged.
Former McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen was impressed with his countryman’s best season in the top flight last year the double F1 World Champion.
“Valtteri has really grown and, in my opinion, the Hamilton-Bottas partnership represents the strongest lineup when you consider speed, talent, years of experience and team mentality,” ventured