H.e starts at least second. Hamilton, meanwhile, said that the pressure had eased after his championship was confirmed at the last race. That seems a little strange, given that Bottas has barely won a single win for him in the overall standings all season, but there we are.
To be out here in Bahrain and put together such rounds … I came today and thought, “Let’s just have fun and enjoy”. This is the most important thing: enjoying what you are doing. I think when the pressure eases off a bit it’s kind of a relief to ride the way I just did.
You’d say it really doesn’t look good for Bottas. He was close to or ahead of Hamilton in qualifying most weekends, but Sundays were a weakness. Even when he was ahead, he tried to stay ahead in different ways. The big question is whether Verstappen is able to disrupt either, if not both, of Hamilton and Bottas. There is a good chance of overtaking in general, but especially on the first lap.
Both championships are over and dusted off, so we hope for a few gloves-off actions at the front.
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