Valtteri Bottas has called on Mercedes to avoid being sucked in by their strong start to the 2019 Formula 1 season.
The German manufacturer became the first team since Williams in 1992 to claim one-two finishes at the opening three races, as main rivals Ferrari struggle to optimise their performance.
However, well aware of the threat that the Scuderia and Red Bull can pose, Bottas believes his team cannot afford any drop in performance at all.
“We can’t feel invincible. It’s only three races of the season and we’ve seen not all the wins we’ve got and one-twos we’ve got have not been easy,” the Finn was quoted by Crash.net.
“We’ve been performing on a very high level as a team in all areas and that’s why we have been able to achieve those results, but it’s only three out of 21 and we need to keep pushing because everyone is very motivated to finish races ahead of us.
“We are not standing still and we don’t feel that we are unbeatable.”
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The unpredictable Azerbaijan Grand Prix will particularly keep Mercedes on their toes this weekend, as the crazy incident involving George Russell and a drain in Practice 1 showed.
“It’s a very unique Grand Prix and anything can happen here,” Bottas, who should have won but for a puncture on the penultimate lap last year, stated.
“Even if your race starts well you have to prepare for anything and really keep focused, minimise all the mistakes through the weekend.
“It’s very easy to touch the wall in qualifying or practice and your weekend can be compromised.”