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Bottas hopes Pirelli improves its tyres in 2019

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."

In a nutshell: which tyres for the US GP?

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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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.