Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas says the criticism he received in 2018 provides an “extra boost” in his preparations for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign.
Bottas took three wins and third place in the standings during his maiden campaign with Mercedes in 2017 but last year finished only fifth, and failed to take a single victory.
Team-mate Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, secured the world title with 11 wins.
Mercedes ultimately retained Bottas for 2019 – announcing his renewal last July – and he says the flak he took through some stages of last year will act as further motivation.
He also explained that the off-season had allowed him to reflect on the positives that he "maybe didn't see" at the end of 2018.
“I am excited that everyone starts with zero points,” he said in an in-house interview with Mercedes.
“We are all on the same line and 2019 can bring anything, that's exciting.
“I am very happy to start a new season, because for me personally 2018 did not go the way I wanted to.
“There was quite a bit of criticism at some stages of 2018, but that's actually been a positive thing for me because it's given me an extra boost!
“I've taken all the points I can learn from last year to come back stronger.
“And I also found many positives, which I maybe didn't see at the end of the year, but now digging deep I can see those. I can build on all of that for 2019."
Bottas added: “Everyone is working as hard as ever, I think everyone is looking forward to the new season.
“With some regulation changes there are always question marks, but I can guarantee everyone has been doing and will be doing everything they can for the new car."
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