Two former Formula 1 world champions, Mika Hakkinen and Nico Rosberg, believe Australia could just be the start for Valtteri Bottas in 2019.
The Mercedes driver put aside his difficulties last year and blasted to a first win since Abu Dhabi 2017 at Albert Park, finishing 20 seconds clear of teammate Lewis Hamilton.
He would then follow it with a strong rebuttal of his critics, telling them “f**k you” over the radio, with his apparent change in attitude going down well with his fellow Finn.
“It was nice to hear the little radio message aimed at his critics after the race,” Hakkinen wrote in his Unibet column.
“He knows he has the talent and has focused himself on getting the season off to a strong start by turning all the negative energy from his critics into a powerful mindset.
“It sometimes takes longer than many think possible before achieving your goals in Formula 1,” he noted. “It took me seven years to win my first race, and this is Valtteri’s seventh season.
“Talking to Mark Webber on the podium after the race, Valtteri said this was one of the most straightforward wins of his life. I know that feeling.
“The success suddenly seems so easy, but it is only made possible by the lessons you learn along the way.”
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Nico Rosberg, who would beat Hamilton to his world title at the third attempt in 2016, also believes Bottas can go on and do the same.
“I do think Bottas can be world champion,” the German told Auto Bild. “Bottas is in combat mode this year. You cannot underestimate the mental side in Formula 1. It’s what we saw last year with Sebastian [Vettel].
“The problem for Valtteri is that Lewis is always so strong in qualifying, but the chance is there that we will see a real duel.
“I think if Valtteri can keep the positive mentality, he can become world champion because then Lewis has his periods of weakness.”
In the immediate term, however: “It will be interesting to see how Lewis Hamilton responds to this result because we know he is not interested in finishing second, especially to his teammate,” Hakkinen continued.
“Lewis will be hoping that Valtteri’s success is a one-off, but should this be repeated in Bahrain or China it will be fascinating to watch how the team dynamic changes.
“This battle is only just starting.”