F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Hamilton's edge and speed hold no mystery for Bottas

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has made a point of understanding where and why Lewis Hamilton has been faster than him this year, precisely to help him bridge the gap with his team mate.

With the Drivers' championship rapped up by the Brit, Bottas is determined to secure in the last two races of 2018 the win that has eluded him so far this season.

It's been a story of bad luck for the 28-year-old but also one of superiority by Hamilton, and that is to what Bottas has devoted much of his attention.

"Honestly there’s been no point that I haven’t understood," Bottas told RaceFans.net.

"There’s been always an explanation or I’ve seen why different things [are].

"I do understand if he’s quicker and there’s a couple of corners that I struggle more than him. Sometimes I get it right but he gets it every time.

"But it can be vice-versa, I can be quicker in some corners and he struggles more. But for me there’s always been an explanation and you can always find why."

From his abundant natural talent to his commitment and consistency, Hamilton's qualities and strengths are well-known.

But Bottas also underlines the Mercedes star's faculty to adapt to any condition or context that may arise.

"Whatever the conditions are – wind, temperature, wet or dry – he seems to be very adaptable." he said.

"Obviously it was difficult to say much about Lewis before I joined the team other than knowing he is a good drive. I don’t normally create anything in my head when I don’t know a person.

"The only thing I can say when I joined the team and got to know him a bit more is he’s a very nice guy and he works hard. Maybe much harder than many people think."

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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.

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