Bottas hopes Pirelli improves its tyres in 2019

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Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas hasn't always been satisfied this season with Pirelli's tyres, lamenting their excessive wear and propensity for blistering.

The Finn joined a chorus of drivers who have criticized the Italian manufacturer's compounds which are overall one step softer compared to 2017.

The potential wear and tear has forced drivers to subtly manage the latter part of some races, and virtually go into cruising mode to make their tyres last to the checkered flag.

"We have had a lot of management to do in practically every race this season and especially in the last few," Bottas told Brazil's Globo.

"Once we reach a certain temperature, we know it will happen so we don't push it, we just try not to exceed those temperatures."

The Mercedes driver admitted that races often ended with a sense of frustration because of the necessity to slow down, "which is not ideal when there is so much potential in these cars".

Bottas nevertheless hopes Pirelli gets on top of the tyre temperature issue for 2019.

"I participated in some of the tests for next year's tires a few weeks ago and I'm sure they are working hard," he said. "I hope it's a bit better."

Next season will be the final year of Formula 1's current tyre supplier contract with Pirelli.

The Italian firm has already announced that it will take part in the sport's upcoming tender process for 2020-2023, along with South Korean company Hankook, the current supplier to the FIA European F3 Championship and the DTM.

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