Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas says it is “disappointing and amazing” that he has failed to win in Formula 1 so far this season.
Bottas stepped up to Mercedes in 2017 and claimed victories in Russia, Austria and Abu Dhabi, as well as racking up four pole positions.
Bottas has been closer to team-mate Lewis Hamilton on pure pace through this season but has yet to add to his tally of three wins, while the Briton has triumphed six times across the 14 Grands Prix.
Bottas has finished runner-up on five occasions including in China, where his lead was undone by a Safety Car period, and in Germany, where he was instructed to remain behind Hamilton.
A strong opportunity was also lost in Azerbaijan when a puncture forced him out of the lead with just three laps remaining.
“For me, it’s quite disappointing and amazing that I haven’t won a race this year,” said Bottas.
“It’s been quite close many times, especially in the first quarter or third of the season, and I really want to win races. That’s why I’m here.”
Bottas also stressed that his win prospects were not dependent on Hamilton’s title bid, quipping: “I don’t think the only way by the next few races is that Lewis is secure in the title.
“I think if I have the pace and do a good qualifying, if I’m strong in the race, I can definitely win.
“But for sure, then it’s a bit more simple if Lewis wins the title. I don’t really want to think about it too much. As long as I perform well, then we’ll get the results.”
Formula 1 reconvenes in Singapore this weekend, where Mercedes has struggled relative to its performance at other venues in recent years.
Mercedes nonetheless triumphed 12 months ago after the dramatic opening-lap collision that eliminated favourites Ferrari and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
“It’s racing, and we go there with the mindset that anything can happen, and hopefully we can be more competitive than we were last year compared to other teams,” said Bottas.
“It is tricky at the moment, because Ferrari is quick everywhere and Red Bull will be quick in Singapore.
“For us, we don’t really know how competitive we’re going to be. We’ll go there and try and get more points than Ferrari.”
Bottas holds fourth position in the Drivers’ Championship.
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