Valtteri Bottas is unconcerned  with Mercedes dispensing team orders, believing  his best results are still to come while also admitting there was no point on dwelling on a situation he considered as hypothetical.

In Bahrain two weeks ago, as he struggled with tyre degradation, Bottas was asked by the Mercedes pit wall to make way for faster team mate Lewis Hamilton.

The situation prompted pundits to ask whether a hierarchy had already been established at the German outfit.

"This team has never really had a number one or a number two driver and is not planning to – it's always trying to give an equal chance to both drivers," Bottas said in today's media conference.

"What is different this year... the last three years, the gap to the second quickest team has been bigger.

"Maybe every single detail, letting the drivers race hard, or one being stuck behind another at times, hasn't cost anything. But I do understand the fact that this year it can cost points.

"I feel that all of my good results are still on the way. I'm not thinking about anything like that [team orders], and I'm sure for the team also there's no need to."

If a state of affairs developped where he would be asked to move over for his team mate, Bottas would comply however.

"If I have some issues in this race, we're on a different strategy or Lewis is stuck behind me… if the team asks me to move over, I will.

"Of course, I will do everything I can not to be in that position, to have my own race and personal result, but I'm a team player and in the long run that's going to reward you and the team."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

13 mins ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago