Valtteri Bottas is focused on mounting a stronger challenge to teammate Lewis Hamilton in 2020 after a "fun" finale in Abu Dhabi.
Starting last after requiring two new engines for the final weekend, the Finn eased his way through the pack to finish fourth at Yas Marina, less than a second behind third-placed Charles Leclerc.
“It was a really tough race, I was giving it everything I could, but I have to say it was pretty good fun, coming from the back,” Bottas explained.
“We had a really strong car today but it wasn’t the easiest of races. In the beginning, we did nearly the first 20 laps without DRS and that made it more difficult to make progress through the field.
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“I tried and I feel I couldn’t have done anything more, so I feel pretty satisfied about today.
“Obviously, it would have been nice to be on the podium but it doesn’t matter because it was one of the best races of my season.”
It was a performance that validated the improvement Bottas has made in 2019, yet still, his total of 326 points was 87 behind the record tally of his world champion teammate.
Considering what he needs to do to close that massive margin, the 30-year-old put it down to a single factor.
“I need more consistency over the season. Lewis is always there, performing at his top level every single qualifying and race,” Bottas told Sky Sports.
“I’ve been there most of the time, but not every single race weekend and I need to find the balance in everything and find ways to be at my best more often.
“I’m sure I can find it somehow, and as a driver, I’m sure there are still many things I can do better and improve a lot from this year.
“I’ll be working a lot over the winter so I’m sure I can make a step forward next year.
“I have good confidence now from this season, and even though I finished fourth, it’s another great result with the Mercedes car.”
