Bottas: "I blame myself" for being so far behind Hamilton

Valtteri Bottas says that he blames himself for being so far behind Lewis Hamilton in the race for the F1 title, leading to Hamilton having a huge advantage of 73 points heading into the final five races of the season.

Bottas started the season in red hot form, leading the championship after taking victory in Azerbaijan, but has not stood on the top step since, leading to Hamilton tightening his grip on a sixth world title.

Bottas said in Japan: "I can for sure blame myself as well for being that far in the points, in this situation, because Lewis has been better so far more consistently. That's how it is.

"Now in this situation in I just really [concentrate] on one weekend, and the closer I get to the end we'll find out what happens with the points and where I'll finish. But at least it's going better than last year at this point.

"I would say it's been pretty similar if I look at any averages in terms of quali to race from beginning of the year to this date. That has been pretty consistent."