Valtteri Bottas insists he enjoys the “challenge” of racing alongside Lewis Hamilton and wouldn’t change it for more success.
The Finn has been dominated by his Mercedes teammate since joining in 2017, winning just seven times compared to 30 for the Briton, who also won the championship all three years.
But while that has led to many suggesting Bottas is nothing more than the support driver to Hamilton, he claims he wouldn’t change a thing.
“I’m proud to be part of this team and be able to drive a car that has allowed me to achieve the results that I have so far and will allow in the future,” he said via GPFans.
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“I like the fact that it’s up to me. At the moment we’re a winning team, and if I can perform at the level that I am aiming for then anything is possible.
“So I wouldn’t change the situation, I wouldn’t change my teammate just because it would be easier to win races. I love the challenge.
“For sure it’s not always easy, but when it comes the hard way, it’s even better.”
The current 67-point gap between the two is more only 9 more than the 58 points Valtteri trailed Lewis by at the end of the 2017 season and as he enjoys a strong end to this season, the 30-year-old is confident of a strong 2020.
“It gives me confidence for next year,” he said. “And, unlike at the end of last year, now I really look forward to the year ahead.
“I’m already excited to start the next season and start from fresh. So that’s going to be good fun.”
With both Hamilton and Bottas out of contract at the end of 2020 and Max Verstappen and George Russell both being linked to future seats, it could be that partnership only lasts for 12 more months.