Bottas Defends Hamilton, Citing Leclerc's Underestimated Talent
Valtteri Bottas defends ex-teammate Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari performance, attributing perceived struggles to the challenge of adapting to a new team and the underestimated talent of Charles Leclerc. Bottas suggests the narrative of Hamilton's slump is 'exaggerated,' emphasizing the cultural and technical shifts Hamilton faces while highlighting Leclerc's strength. He believes Hamilton will prove his speed next season.
Valtteri Bottas, former teammate to Lewis Hamilton, has come to Hamilton's defense amidst what some perceive as a 'slump' in his debut Ferrari season. Bottas suggests that the narrative surrounding Hamilton's performance is 'exaggerated' and that Charles Leclerc's exceptional talent has been 'underestimated' by many.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari was one of the most anticipated transfers in recent F1 history. His perceived struggles have fueled significant media scrutiny and debate. Bottas's insights offer a nuanced perspective, highlighting the immense challenge of switching teams and the often-overlooked strength of Leclerc, which could reframe the conversation around Hamilton's current form and Ferrari's internal dynamics.
The Details:
- Challenging Transition: Bottas emphasized the significant adaptation required for Hamilton, who spent an extensive period as Mercedes' primary driver. He noted the cultural, equipment, and even language changes involved in moving to a team like Ferrari.
- Leclerc's Strength: Bottas firmly believes that Charles Leclerc's driving ability has been consistently underestimated. His strong performances, especially against a seven-time world champion, are a testament to his talent, not necessarily a sign of Hamilton's decline.
- Adaptation Period: Bottas acknowledged that Hamilton's adaptation to Ferrari might be taking longer than initially expected, but he remains confident in Hamilton's underlying speed, which has shown flashes throughout the season.
- Media Scrutiny: Bottas attributes much of the 'slump' narrative to the media's natural inclination to create discussion, especially around high-profile figures like Hamilton.
Between the lines:
Bottas's comments indirectly shed light on the intense pressure and scrutiny F1 drivers face, particularly when moving to a new team. It's a reminder that performance isn't solely dictated by a driver's raw speed but also by their integration into a new environment and the capabilities of their teammate. His defense of Hamilton also underscores the respect and understanding among top-tier drivers regarding the complexities of the sport.
What's next:
Bottas suggests that the upcoming season will be a true test of Hamilton's capabilities within the Ferrari setup, implying that with more time, he expects Hamilton to fully integrate and showcase his true potential. If Hamilton can close the gap to Leclerc and consistently perform at his championship-winning level, it would validate Bottas's assessment and provide Ferrari with a formidable driver pairing, setting the stage for an exciting 2025 season.