Bottas wants 'maximum-downforce' package improved at Mercedes

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Valtteri Bottas believes the next few races could play into Mercedes' hands, but the Finn still wants improvements, mainly in the downforce department.

Early season issues broke Mercedes' dominance but also its consistency as the German outfit's drivers struggled with tyre usage and temperatures, handing a revived Ferrari squad and Sebastian Vettel an advantage in the championship.

The Silver Arrows W08 gradually improved however post-Monaco, winning three races against the Scuderia's two victories.

As F1 returns to action at Spa next week, Valtteri Bottas is optimistic Mercedes can prevail once again, if more potential can be unlocked.

Rosberg: 'Bottas is the perfect driver mentally'

"I really think the next at least two races on paper should be a bit better for us [than Hungary] compared to Ferrari," Bottas said.

"But I think we've made some good progress. We definitely do have work to do, they are quick through the corners, and we need to work on that."

Bottas suggests Mercedes' downforce package must be optimised to avoid a performance slump as this will likely be a main asset to rely on given the configuration of several upcoming venues.

"We need to work on our maximum-downforce package, that's the main thing," he says.

"There are still a lot of tracks to come that require a lot of downforce.

"Spa is more about efficiency, Monza is very low-downforce, then Singapore is about downforce again.

"We are really working hard and trying to get the car better, because if we don't make any progress, it's going to be a tricky season, for sure."

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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.