More race wins necessary to be a title contender - Bottas

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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