Valtteri Bottas has a plan to beat Lewis Hamilton in 2020 but won’t be taking any inspiration from Nico Rosberg.
A strong end to this season, including victories in Japan and Austin, is raising hopes that the Finn is closing the performance gap to his teammate and could offer more competition next year.
The 2016 champion, however, believes Bottas needs to do more than just try and out-pace Hamilton, pointing to the mental games which he used successfully to destabilise Mercedes.
“To be honest, I am slightly already bored about that question because every driver is individual. I am me I am not Nico,” Valtteri replied on Thursday as he was again asked if he agreed.
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“For sure I have plans to find the different ways of how I want to achieve my goal, which is ultimately the championship. That means beating my teammate but also many other drivers.
“I always prefer to do the talking on track and, if I am able to keep up my performance and put all the energy I have into my performance, then that is best for me.
“If I start wasting my energy elsewhere, it might take my mind off the driving which is what really matters.
“If I can perform at the level I want, that normally upsets the other side of the garage a little bit, and I know being on the other side as well it can lead you to mistakes.
“I have a plan for next year but I am not willing to share it so we will find out,” he concluded.
This year saw Bottas attempt to become more aggressive in what dubbed as ‘Bottas 2.0’, however, having been outclassed again, he knows a 3.0 or even a 4.0 is still needed.
“Overall, it’s been my best year so far in F1 but still not a season I am aiming for,” the 30-year-old acknowledged.
“I still need a bit more consistency and fewer mistakes, but the thing that gives me a good feeling and confidence for the future is really starting to see the work with the engineers and myself driving wise.
“It’s being really able to target many of the weaknesses I have and be able to improve my pace in different circumstances. That is very satisfying to see and kind of makes you want more.”