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Valtteri, it’s James! WATCH: Mercedes Strategist Vowles Credit Bottas for Hamilton’s Win
Valtteri Bottas started the British Grand Prix at P3 and finished the race in the same position, to clinch his sixth podium finish at Silverstone last week.
The Finn had a poor start after the restart as Lando Norris overtook him the same way Charles Leclerc did at the initial start. Bottas slipped to P4 but after the first pit stop, he jumped several positions and was running behind race leader Leclerc with an 8-second deficit.
However, with around 12 laps to go, Valtteri was told to let his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, through so he could chase down the race leader, Charles Leclerc. The Finn duly complied with the team orders, and as a result, the Knight overtook the Ferrari man, three laps before the checkered flag.
So, after the race, Mercedes strategist James Vowles credited Valtteri Bottas for obeying team orders. The British engineer said, “Valtteri it’s James. Well done today. Thank you for that. You’re part of the reason why we won. Thank you.”
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Wolff praises Valtteri Bottas after British GP
Valtteri Bottas has been under fire in recent weeks after a series of poor performances which failed to contribute to Mercedes’ charge for the championship this season. Furthermore, Williams’ George Russell is heavily rumored to be joining the Silver Arrows to replace the Finn.
However, after the British GP, Mercedes team principal, Toto Wolff praised Bottas who gave Lewis Hamilton a slipstream in qualifying and obeyed team orders during the race.
“Valtteri was really fast today. Lewis came from behind with hard tyres and was just in a different class than everyone else. Valtteri was second fastest and helped Lewis,” said Toto Wolff.
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 16, 2021. Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas after finishing third in the sprint race qualifying Pool via REUTERS/Lars Baron.
“He’s a great team player with the right kind of personality. He has been a teammate of the best Formula 1 driver in history, and it is not always easy to shine in those circumstances. But he has been fantastic.”
Valtteri Bottas currently sits P4 in the drivers’ standings, four points ahead of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez.
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