Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas doesn't see Red Bull Racing's strong Monaco GP performance as a resurgence of the Milton Keynes-based outfit.

Daniel  Ricciardo made the most of his Sunday in the Principality thanks to a well-timed strategy call from the Red Bull pitwall which helped the Aussie beat Mercedes to a podium finish.

But Bottas argues his rival's performance was specific to Monaco's layout and Red Bull will be hard pressed to clinch a top-three finish in Montreal next week, barring any exceptional circumstances.

 "I reckon for now it's just Monaco because it's such a unique track," explained the Finn who is discarding for now Red Bull as a clear and present threat.

"It's all about downforce and mechanical grip, and having a good car over the bumps and change of direction. Canada is very different, it's full of medium-speed corners and chicanes.

"I think they are going to be [competitive] sooner or later. They are a strong team and they can make very quick cars, so we should not underestimate them. But I reckon Canada will be a bit more tricky for them."

Bottas lamented the fact that Mercedes' persistent tyres issues, coupled with rising brake temps,  threw a spanner into the works in Monaco.

But he also admitted that his day could have evolved more favourably had he been just a little bit quicker in qualifying, where he was just 0.045s off pole.

"I think it was one of the best qualy laps I've ever done, and it felt very good," said the Finn.

"It could've been a completely different Sunday with five hundredths better but that's gone and 'if' you can always say."

 

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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.

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