F1 News
Bottas needs to drive "at the edge" to be in World Championship contention - Salo
Valtteri Bottas has seen a downturn in form since his impressive season-opening and Mika Salo believes the Mercedes driver "needs to start driving a bit more at the edge" as he aims to close the gap to Lewis Hamilton.
Bottas finished fourth at the Canadian Grand Prix as he finished outside the podium places for the first time this season. After qualifying sixth the Finn struggled his way past Daniel Ricciardo on lap 40 before pitting in the closing stages to record the fastest lap.
Bottas started the season in fine form, winning in Australia and Azerbaijan to put himself top of the standings. However, since then his teammate Hamilton has won every race as the Brit opens up a significant gap at the top.
Salo believes the Finn needs to push himself more if he is to start competing for the World Championship again.
"He did not get past the slower cars and his pace was never good. It even seemed like he was saving the tyres. He drove so easily," Salo told C More broadcaster.
"That's now two pretty bad losses to Hamilton in a row, in Monaco and Canada.
"The points different is going up. Yes, I think he needs to start driving a bit more at the edge."
