Valtteri Bottas now has the simple target of finally scoring a victory in 2018 with his role as ‘wingman’ complete after Lewis Hamilton claimed the Formula 1 title in Mexico.
The Finn has had to play a support role to his teammate in recent races, notably having over the lead in Sochi, but now the opportunity has arisen to do what he did last year and end the season on a high.
“Here, if I had been quick enough there would have been a possibility [to win] but we were not quick enough,” Bottas was quoted by Crash.net. “There are now two races go and you know what my goal will be.”
Last year, the 29-year-old narrowly missed out on victory to Sebastian Vettel in Brazil, losing the lead to the German at Turn 1, but did beat Hamilton to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi.
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There is the added motivation of being the only top six driver not to stand on the top step so far in 2018 and avoiding that distinction would have some merit for Bottas.
“I think it does make a difference [to end the year on a high],” he said. “Sometimes the season ends in a disappointment, sometimes in joy, and I think the initial part of the winter can be different.
“But in the end, all you’re thinking about is the next season, as you’re busy preparing for the new season, working with the team and all of that.
“It’s kind of nice to have that confidence boost from ending up in good form, but even if you wouldn’t, you can always remind yourself of other races from the season, showing you haven’t lost any of your skills.
“I want to finish the season well, but it’s not everything.”