“I think Valtteri Bottas’ performance is linked to a mental issue,” says Felipe Massa

“I think Valtteri Bottas’ performance is linked to a mental issue,” says Felipe Massa

Valtteri Bottas

Valtteri Bottas has endured a tough start to the 2021 season, after he did not finish the Imola GP. The Finnish driver suffered a crash with George Russell, that ended his race. At the Bahrain GP, a late pit-stop mishap costed Valtteri Bottas a few crucial seconds, as he could manage to finish just P3.

Felipe Massa, ex-Ferrari driver opined on Valtteri Bottas’ performance at Mercedes this season. He believes that the Bottas’ struggles are due to the presence of his teammate, Lewis Hamilton who is keeping him under pressure.

“I think Bottas’ performance is linked to a mental issue,” Massa told Gazzetta dello Sport. “It is not easy to compare yourself with a champion like Lewis Hamilton. The same goes for Vettel too. Both are experiencing a delicate situation,” he added.

“Bottas and Russell collided in spectacular fashion at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, with team boss Toto Wolff furious with the incident and fearing that the Finn may be making “backwards steps” with the team,” Bottas continued.

George is really a super driver: Massa

Felipe Massa believes that Mercedes reserve team driver, George Russell is a great driver and deserves a seat at the Silver Arrows. The Brazilian stated that Russell committed a mistake at Imola, but also apologized for it, which is a sign of maturity.

“George is really a super driver, although he made a mistake at Imola,” Massa added. “He deserves a chance and hopefully Mercedes will give him that chance sooner or later,” he added.

“I appreciated the fact that he also apologised when he calmed down, that was a sign of his maturity, that he dared to say he was wrong,” Massa continued.

Felipe Massa also hopes that the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen do well this season, as they approach their 40th birthday’s. “I am just happy for them and support them. Although, of course, there is not much time left for them to enjoy racing, eventually it stops for everyone,” Massa added.

Also Read: “Things are not going to get better for Valtteri Bottas,” claims former F1 champion