Amid fluctuating rumours of Valtteri Bottas’ future at Mercedes, two drivers have offered their opinion on the matter stating that the Finn will be leaving.
During the French Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas went on an explosive rant which was downplayed by team boss Toto Wolff.
Wolff called it a “great” thing as Bottas was “finally letting something out”.
However, according to Red Bull driver Robert Doornbos, things are not exactly what they seem.
What did Doornbos say?
“Why didn’t he (Bottas) say it earlier?” he said on Ziggo Sport.
“He should have told his team halfway through the race, not after it was too late.
“It seems like he just doesn’t have a position in the team to get things done,” he added.
Doornbos also added that there was something that was ‘strange’ about Bottas in Paul Ricard.
“Why didn’t he want to go for the fastest lap at the end by making a pitstop?” wondered the Dutchman.
“It’s a strange move if you ask me. In my view, he was told long ago that he won’t be there next year. Maybe that’s why we’re seeing these communication problems.
“It doesn’t seem like there’s a good vibe in the team at the moment,” Doornbos said.
Ralf Schumacher also adds to the discussion
Another former driver, Ralf Schumacher, even though agrees that Bottas had some great pace in France, his performance is “just not good enough”.
“It’s a new situation for Mercedes because they haven’t had any real opponents from outside the team in recent years,” he told Sky Deutschland.
“In that context, every mistake is a big problem.
“We saw how important Perez was in making Verstappen’s strategy work. Bottas wasn’t quite there in the same way.”
Schumacher unsure of Bottas’ future
Schumacher also mentioned that he does not know if the current situation at Mercedes is enough for Bottas to be kicked.
“If Bottas’ performance is like it was last weekend or in Monaco, then I don’t see a driver change this season,” said the German.
“But should Bottas fall away even more, it would definitely be worth considering.
“Personally, I wouldn’t have dared to be so critical on the radio after performing like he has this season, but there’s probably a reason.
“He probably knows he’s gone anyway and is trying to recommend himself to another team. I can’t explain it in any other way,” added Schumacher.
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