Wolff reveals 'powerful psychological weapon' used by Bottas

Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff recently revealed a simple ploy that many of his team's employees – including Valtteri Bottas – and himself use to build up their motivation against a rival.

Wolff has often highlighted Bottas' mental strength and fortitude in the face of often painful defeats at the hands of teammate Lewis Hamilton or misfortune.

The Finn has struggled to catch a break so far this season, and his miserable Monaco Grand Prix in which his hopes of a podium finish were dashed by a recalcitrant wheel nut during a pitstop was just one more setback Bottas' psych was left to deal with.

But Wolff revealed in Barcelona a psychological scheme to help fend off the demons and boost one's motivation. The Austrian contends that placing a photo of a rival or worst enemy in a personal spot where it will be frequently viewed will do wonders for one's ambitions.

"You could place a photo of that person in the calendar or on the desk, and every time there is a little lack of motivation, you look at these people," Wolff explained.

"Everyone is free to do it. Of the people I work with, I keep seeing such photos pop out. It's good. It's called enemy building, and it's a powerful psychological weapon.

"As for myself, I have two photos that I always carry with me and that are on my desktop. Neither of the two people has anything to do with Formula 1 or with racing altogether. It's about business."

• Read also: 'Cursed' Bottas 'couldn't believe' Mercedes pitstop misery

And Bottas has also followed his team boss' recommendation.

"I don't carry a picture of Lewis or Max in my pocket," Bottas told Motorsport.com. "I have one, actually inspired by the chats with Toto last year.

"I have one thing on my computer, a desktop picture, that is a motivation to me every time I open the computer.

"It's not really a positive thing. It's a negative thing that always reminds me to show them what I can do."

But the nine-time Grand Prix winner is mum on what image "that negative thing" actually is. "I won't tell you," he said.

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