Valtteri Bottas says “we start from zero” at this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix and says he is unsure why he has been historically strong at the Red Bull Ring.
Bottas’ maiden Formula 1 podium came at the event in 2014 and since switching to Mercedes has taken three pole positions from four attempts, along with wins in 2017 and 2020.
Formula 1 will stay on at the Red Bull Ring for the Styrian Grand Prix, and on his record at the venue, Bottas said: “If you look at the numbers and history, yes, it’s been a good track for me, but it’s difficult to say.
“I don’t know that the reason you know sometimes maybe it can be just how things go. It’s good for you, and sometimes it’s bad. Of course some type of corners is better for you and some are worse. I don’t have a clear answer.
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-120x86.webp)
“Obviously, this weekend was good, I had good results here, and obviously next week is a new week.
“We start from zero again. Just try to repeat, learn from this week and do it again. Can’t say any more than that.”
It marked the second successive year in which Bottas has won the season-opening race, following on from his 2019 triumph in Australia, but his early promise 12 months ago drifted away.
On how he was planning to avoid a repeat in 2020, Bottas said: “Every season is always different from a driver’s point of view.
“There can be certain distractions and the main thing is to keep your head very clear. And being able to focus on the driving and feeling well.
“And definitely some races I was lacking pace, was due to knowing that there are things that are driving wise I can do better. And I’ve learned from those.
“Obviously, it’s only the first race of the season and we’ll see how things go. But it’s a good starting point.
“I feel like I said before coming here more complete as a driver. So that’s why I feel confident. Obviously, we will see how things go. I’m feeling good, and feeling more complete.”
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-350x250.webp)
![Alpine Managing Director Steve Nielsen [pictured with Executive Advisor Flavio Briatore] is stern in his belief Mercedes has acted correctly](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Alpine-Steve-Nielsen-Flavio-Briatore-360x180.webp)
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