More race wins necessary to be a title contender - Bottas

©Mercedes

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Valtteri Bottas stated the obvious, saying that he needs to target more race wins if he is to fight for the title next season.

Mercedes' new recruit wasn't expected to win from the outset this year, but after warming up to the German squad for a few races, Bottas clinched his maiden F1 win at the championship's third round in Russia.

He put another win under his belt in Austria but thereafter saw his performance decline while Lewis Hamilton raced off into the distance.

Overall, the Briton captured nine wins compared with the Finn's three victories, and Bottas knows he needs to drastically increase his win record if he wants a shot at the title next year.

"The target next year is to win more. With the points system you need to win races if you are to win the title," said Bottas.

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"Of course you need to be consistent and for me the biggest thing was inconsistency through the season.

"There were times when l performed really well and there were times when l performed not so well.

"That was the main reason Lewis beat me. He was on it all the time."

By his own standards, the 28-year-old's performance fell short of his expectations. But he's determined to work as hard as possible to improve his results and fight for the ultimate prize.

"I always set my targets very high and l knew that this year would be an opportunity for me to win the title," he said.

"I knew it could be possible. Winning the title was my target and l failed on that.

"But the most important thing is the amount of things l have learned - with the race team, back at the factory and with Lewis. It will help me a lot next year.

"You can always try to be near perfect. I will work harder than ever this winter and try to be better than ever next year," he added.

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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.