Valtteri Bottas remains confident in his ability to fight Lewis Hamilton for the world title this year, despite the latter's comfortable win in last weekend's Styrian Grand Prix.
Bottas hit the ground running in the opening race of the 2020 campaign, but the Finn was never a threat to his dominant Mercedes teammate in the second round of racing that took place at the Red Bull Ring.
Hamilton's masterclass performance suggests the Briton has already recouped the upper hand, but Bottas disagrees, insisting he's grown again as a driver in the past twelve months and has the skills to take the fight to the reigning world champion.
"I think in any sport, and especially in Formula 1 - it’s quite a special sport - it’s quite easy to doubt yourself, but for the moment I have no reason to," Bottas said, quoted by Crash.net
"Obviously over the years you find the right tools, how to find your confidence and the trust in yourself and what you are doing. I have no reason to doubt any of my ability or skills.
"I know Lewis had a strong weekend. He did a good job. Also, based on last weekend, I know what I am capable of.
"So, I really feel many improvements in my driving since last year, so that’s why I’m confident it’s going to be a good battle for the Championship this year.
"So, I’m not going to let one weekend, even multiple weekends, drag me down. I’ve learned that. Just going to focus on the job and improving myself as we go."
Bottas admitted that last weekend's defeat required an analysis, but the eight-time Grand Prix winner says his prospects for the future "are looking good".
"In some things I’m going to have a look in the mirror why it was bit more difficult and could have been possibly a good battle with Lewis," he said.
"But I think, from where I started and how the race went, I think it felt like I and us as a team, we could really maximise everything, so being able to, as a team, get the first 1-2 of the year, only the second race, is obviously really impressive.
"Like Lewis said, I’m just really thankful for everyone. It’s a privilege to drive for this team. But, of course, I’m not 100 per cent happy because I didn’t win.
"That’s how it goes as a driver but Lewis did a great job this weekend and… yeah… still points-wise it’s still early days and everything is looking good, so that’s why I can’t wait for the future."
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