Valtteri Bottas has conceded a fight between himself and Lewis Hamilton for the Formula 1 title is becoming more likely in 2019.
On Sunday, the Finn claimed his second win of the season in Azerbaijan, beating the current world champion in a head-to-head duel in Baku.
It was a result that marked Mercedes' fourth consecutive 1-2 finish and also gave Bottas a measure of redemption after being cruelly denied victory by a puncture at the same race 12 months ago.
“It was a tough race, even though there wasn’t much going on at the front,” he reflected.
“Lewis was putting pressure on all the time, so I couldn’t make any mistakes but, honestly, everything was under control, so I’m happy to see the chequered flag and get this first place.
“It means a lot to win. It’s incredible the level we’re performing as a team, that’s why I was just saying at the guys I’m so proud to be part of that.
“We’re all performing really, really well. For me as well it’s only my fifth win and it feels good and pays back from last year.”
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Hamilton himself conceded he was perhaps "too friendly" with Bottas, as the pair went side-by-side through the opening two corners.
But after that, it was all about one thing for Valtteri, composure.
“It’s never easy to have Lewis attacking flat out behind, but the main thing for me was to focus on my own doing and not going for the silly mistakes, trying to push too hard and I managed to keep it together,” he explained.
“I was all the time aware of the gap to Lewis, and I could sometimes see him pushing really hard, and sometimes saving a bit.
“I think the start was the most critical point. Lewis had a better get away from the line, I was perhaps too cautious so then I had to defend a bit into Turn 1 and Turn 2, but it was nice and clean and fair, and I enjoyed that."
Bottas is now back ahead of Hamilton by a single point in the championship, with a further 34 back to Sebastian Vettel in third.
And with Ferrari still unable to break the domination of the German manufacturer, the 29-year-old conceded a two-horse race might be on the cards this year.
“At the moment it looks like that, but it’s obviously a long season ahead, and we’re performing as a team on an incredible level in all areas, not only the car," he commented.
“I’m just focusing on my championship now, and for the moment, it’s Lewis the main challenge, but we’ll take it race by race.”
