Bottas cautious on title prospects... for now

40

The prospect of winning the F1 world championship this season isn't at the forefront of Valtteri Bottas' thoughts, at least not yet.

The Finn collected his second career win in Austria and now stands 35 points behind leader Sebastian Vettel and just 15 points behind team mate Lewis Hamilton as F1 approaches the half-way mark of its 20-race season.

Winning the world title is obviously the ambition of any F1 driver worth his mettle, and Bottas is no exception.

But the 27-year-old is also aware that's it's a long haul to Abu Dhabi, during which each and every lap will contribute to make or break a title bid.

"I don't want to shout about it too much. It's still early days in the championship, and more than 50 percent to go, so a massive amount of points to get.

"I don't want to shout about it too much," conceded Bottas.

"It's still early days in the championship, and more than 50 percent to go, so a massive amount of points to get.

"With this team I'm developing so much every single race, and I feel like I'm getting better every time, even though we've had some unlucky ones as well.

"But so will the other guys as well. It's still a long year ahead, and for sure we'll be in the championship fight."

F1i poll: Did Valtteri Bottas jump the start in Austria?

It's a day by day and race by race process for Bottas, with the emphasis on his focus, commitment and consistency while hoping the team holds up its end of the bargain.

"The fact is that to win the title from every single race weekend you've got to make the most out of that weekend and get all the points available, be consistent, and when it's possible to win, you need to win.

"By making a thing about winning titles, it doesn't change anything. You need to go race by race, or really session by session, lap by lap.

"That's how it goes. I know as a fact that in theory, with the points, everything still will be in the fight. So that is good to know."

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.