Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas has suggested that a ‘relaxed’ mindset during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend helped him to earn his third Formula 1 victory at the 2017 season finale.
After having secured a second consecutive pole position on Saturday, Bottas controlled the race from the front. He managed a relentless race-long pursuit by team-mate Lewis Hamilton who finished a close second.
“Getting the pole position, race win and fastest lap couldn’t be better and it definitely gives confidence going into next year,” Bottas stated.
At the previous race in Brazil, he secured pole position but was unable to convert it to victory after being passed by Sebastian Vettel at the start of the race.
Bottas suggested that a change in mindset at the season finale served to improve his performance.
“I felt more relaxed than I did in Sao Paulo,” he added. “Somehow all weekend I had a feeling that everything was under control. I felt that there was nothing to lose this weekend and that kind of gave me a bit of peace of mind.
“Whatever zone I’ve been able to get myself in for qualifying in Brazil, qualifying yesterday and in the race today, I need to find myself in that zone all the time next year.”
Despite scoring the most points of any driver in the final three races of the season, Bottas was unable to overhaul Vettel in the drivers’ standings, finishing third as a result.
2017 marks the first season since ’13 in which Mercedes’ drivers have not finished first and second in the standings.
“It’s a bit of a shame that I didn’t get second place in the championship in the end. That’s now history. I’m now looking ahead.”
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