Tough period persists but Bottas still wants 'whatever is possible'

©Mercedes

Despite his consistent run in the points lately, Valtteri Bottas isn't happy with his current level of performance, the Finn believing that "a good proper result" is now overdue.

The Mercedes driver endured a rather solitary run in Singapore, struggling to overtake at the challenging Marina Bay street circuit but holding his own all race long in fourth position.

With six rounds to go, Bottas' season is all but over with regard to the championship, but that's pretty much been the case for a few races now.

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His target is now to overhaul Kimi Raikkonen for a spot on the final 2018 podium, his fellow Finn sitting just three points in front of him in the Drivers' standings.

"I still want whatever is possible in the championship," he said after Singapore.

"I think third at least is possible so that's going to be the goal for me. Of course, I'm driving for myself and the team, so I really want a good result."

Formula 1 returns to Russia next week, the scene of Bottas' first career win in F1 and a venue that will remind the 29-year-old of what his season is missing: a race win!

"I'll keep motivated and keep trying to bring good results. But I really feel like I need some good results now.

"It's been a while since I had good proper results, nearly one year since I won a race. So for confidence and everything, I need some results."

Inadvertently labeled as Hamilton's 'wingman' earlier this summer by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, Bottas has since acknowledged his support role within the Silver Arrows outfit. But his mindset goes well beyond he insists.

"I need to keep hungry and motivated for each race," he added.

"Obviously mentally for me now compared to the first few races of the season, it is more difficult now to feel that same mentality that you are fighting for the Championship and so on.

"I need to put targets for myself. If I just turn up like 'OK I am going to be here to help', it's not ideal. I need to have clear targets for each race weekend and that's what I'm going to do."

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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.