Hamilton prefers Bottas over Ocon for 2020
Lewis Hamilton has urged Mercedes to keep its same driver lineup beyond 2019.
Actually, Valtteri Bottas' place alongside the five time world champion is in serious doubt, with Esteban Ocon waiting in the wings as a reserve.
Indeed, Finn Bottas struggled in 2018 and in the build-up to the 2019 season, his name was regularly omitted as a potential championship challenger.
When asked what it is like to not be mentioned in the same breath as Hamilton, Vettel and even Charles Leclerc, Bottas said in Melbourne: "For me it's not a problem.
"I don't care what people are talking about and I don't even know.
"There is always talk, but I don't want to waste a single drop of my energy thinking about it. I will just focus on my performances this year and the things that matter," Bottas added.
For his part, Hamilton seems happy to keep Bottas rather than swap him as teammate for 2020 with the highly rated Frenchman Ocon.
"Continuity is what works," the Briton said in Melbourne.
"We have a great pairing and I think the combination of Valtteri and me together has worked well for years and there's no reason to change it.
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Hamilton added.
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Hamilton and Mercedes will not allow Bottas to get ahead as they can manipulate Valttery easily in order to get Lewis his 6th title, so I think Ocon woudln't be so agreeable and easy to bend and he would be a real match to Hamilton. I just hope Valterry will show his true grit and challenge Lewis so we can enjoy watching them battling against each other and I would expect Hamilton to moan when things are not gong his way and we know the team does as Hamilton demands.Surely this season needs a couple of more contenders for the title,otherwise why bother to watch races if we already' know' who will be the champion ( again). So please a few unexpected wins from other teams are welcome!
I believe that Hamilton and Bottas have been and are a great team and do compete in every race. Mercedes are fortunate to have them together and to change this proven partnership would be a catastr0phic mistake. A gamble of such F1 magnitude, given the stakes, should not even be considered.
I agree with Bill and Hamilton- if it works don't fix !
Bottas/ Hamilton partnership works. Bottas is a great driver but needs to try to ensure he is more ruthless with idiots like Vanstappen to get at least 2nd or 3rd place overall on the grid by the end of the season. Then his place will be fully secure with Merc!
"....Hamilton prefers Bottas over Ocon for 2020...."
That was before the Australian GP was over.
I congratulate Bottas on his win especially over Hamilton. Could not have been easy. At least Merc got 1st & 2nd places which will please the whole team. Give it time and we will see who the best driver is and I believe it will be Hamilton but I hope that Bottas keeps on his tail and gets 2nd place in the championship.
Yep Bill, If Merc can come in 1 and 2 that will be great. Hamiliton is getting old so needs to win this year and next year to match Sucmacher record- go for it Hamilton!!
Simon nailed it when he said Bottas was preferred 'before' the Australian GP was over. Hamilton doesn't want another Rosberg this year. If Bottas comes close this year, Ocon may very well get his ride with Mercedes. Hamilton doesn't want/need competition in a car equal to his own
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