Valtteri Bottas has asserted that he can still overhaul Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton in this year’s Formula 1 title battle.
At the two-thirds marker of the 21-race campaign Hamilton holds a 62-point advantage over Bottas, with the pair having taken eight and two wins respectively.
Bottas’ seasons largely trailed off in both 2017 and 2018 but he is adamant that he can avoid a repeat, and has underlined his ambition to reel in his team-mate atop the standings.
“It’s definitely a better feeling going forwards, I feel very good support from the team,” said Bottas.
“The points gap between me and Lewis for sure is a gap but it’s not like night and day.
“You never know what happens in the championship, there still might be opportunities. There’s no point giving up as we have seven races and things can happen. I’ll take it race by race.
“For sure it’s encouraging for me to see I can perform and there’s no doubt from my side that I can.
“I will be able to be at my best, and when title hopes and motivation is there, I know I can do it. I’ll look forward to Singapore.”
Bottas has a mixed record in Singapore, with just one podium finish to his name, achieved in 2017, when he placed third.
“I think Singapore on paper is definitely better for us compared to Ferrari, and we were very close to them [in Italy], so it should be good,” he said.
“Obviously we need to wait and see, it is a special track, very hot conditions, and unique in what it needs mechanically from the car.
“There’s been many races I’ve been able to turn around this year that have been difficult in the past, that I’ve been able to be competitive, so I’m aiming to do that in Singapore.”
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