Bottas' 'shares have collapsed' after Sakhir GP

(GMM) Valtteri Bottas put himself under a spotlight in Sunday’s Sakhir GP – for the wrong reasons.

Although Bottas managed to just beat Lewis Hamilton’s substitute Lewis Hamilton to pole on Sunday, George Russell clearly outclassed the Finn in the race.

Team boss Toto Wolff isn’t sure why Bottas appeared so out of sorts.

Taking nothing away from George Russell who is very talented, but he proved almost any driver could win in the Mercedes. Today’s F1 is 99% car and 1% driver. – Steve Etherington Photo

“I have to discuss that with him and his team,” he said in Bahrain. “But no, he didn’t shine today.

“Maybe the air is coming out after the world championship is over – but I don’t know,” Wolff added.

Former F1 driver Nick Heidfeld said Sunday was a crucial day in Bottas’ career.

“Bottas’ market value is now in free fall,” he told Sky Deutschland.

“After a weekend like that, I wouldn’t surprised if he lost his seat.”

Another former driver, Ralf Schumacher, agrees: “Bottas has a problem, but so does Hamilton.”

Wolff denied that he will use Russell’s performance to pressure Hamilton amid his forthcoming contract negotiations, and also defended the seven time world champion amid suggestions he wins mainly because of the car’s dominance.

Russell proved this weekend that Lewis Hamilton is only as good as his car. Russell dominated the race having never driven such a superior car before. Hamilton should be asked to pay Mercedes for the privilege of driving a car that makes him look so good. – LAT Images

“Lewis wins as much as he does because he’s the best driver in the best car,” he said. “It’s always a combination of both.

“We must not be blinded now by the phenomenal drive of a young man with a great future in Formula 1. Lewis is still the benchmark,” Wolff insisted.

As for Bottas, the focus on him in the wake of Russell’s drive is now entirely negative.

“Bottas shares have collapsed,” said fellow Finn JJ Lehto. “George Russell is Mercedes’ choice for the future, clearly,” he told Iltalehti newspaper.

“Today, Valtteri simply faced a better guy. It’s too bad that Hamilton hasn’t had a decent teammate and a harder fight in recent years.

“It would be nice if he could get that now,” said Lehto. “I previously said that it could be Max Verstappen, but now that is also valid for Russell.

“Mercedes will definitely now be thinking about how to make a super team even better. Valtteri has had opportunities for several seasons, and at best he can rarely beat Hamilton. Valtteri has shown us what his level is.”

Wolff said it is possible that Russell will return to Hamilton’s car this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

“Lewis is feeling a little better today so if he has a negative test, he will drive. If not, it will be George,” said the Austrian.