Mexico City, Mexico, 27.09.2019, Formel 1, Formula 1, Mexican Grand Prix, Podium:, Sieger Lewis Hamilton GB 44, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport, 2.Platz fuer Sebastian Vettel GER 5, Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow, 3.Platz fuer Valtteri Bottas FIN 77 Mexico City Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Mexico eu-images-09-506-042617 *** Mexico City, Mexico, 27 09 2019, Formula 1, Formula 1, Mexican Grand Prix, Podium , Winner Lewis Hamilton GB 44 , Mercedes AMG Petronas Motorsport, 2 Place for Sebastian Vettel GER 5 , Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow , 3 Place for Valtteri Bottas FIN 77 Mexico City Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Mexico eu images 09 506 042617 eu-images-506
Valtteri Bottas is a new entrant to the Alfa Romeo team this season. The veteran Finnish driver switched from champions, Mercedes to join the Zurich based team. Bottas and his team were having their pre-season camp in Barcelona.
He is partnered with debutant Zhou Guanyu. The Finnish driver has struggled with his new. C42 car at the Circuit de Catalunya.
Speaking at the official launch of the C42 car, Bottas said there were points to work on. “It feels like we are still in very early stages of actually discovering the car. For me, it was quite limited running that we had, only with two different tyre compounds and only with few set up changes. So, there’s still so much more to discover.”
The 32-year old further added, “We are really aiming to work hard between the test and hopefully get a better understanding in Bahrain. There’s work to do. I’m not saying anything against that. But, I also feel there is potential in this package. I’m looking forward to discovering it more with the team.”
The test running didn’t go very well as planned for the team. Bottas was not able to complete his team’s full running quota in the Barcelona test. There are reliability issues with the new C42 which restricted the running. Bottas completed less mileage than any other full-time driver in the test managing only 54 laps over three days. Alfa Romeo faced technical issues during the sessions and had mechanical issues on the final day which meant it only completed 175 laps overall. Guanyu Zhou did most of the racing for the team in Circuit de Catalunya.
Looking ahead to the season, Alfa Romeo will heavily rely on Bottas for positive results. The Finn has 10 race wins in his career and earned a podium finished the 2021 Drivers’ Championship. Bottas brings a lot of experience and that will be priceless for a team which has a debutant in Guanyu Zhou. Alfa Romeo will hope that the veteran’s experience and the rookie’s fearlessness blends well in the new season.
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