Wolff confident: "I am carefully optimistic about the future"

It took a while, but in Turkey Valtteri Bottas finally managed to win another Grand Prix. On the Istanbul Park circuit, where he spun six times (!) during the race in 2020, the Finn was too fast for everything and everyone and claimed a well-deserved victory. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is also very enthusiastic about Bottas. The Austrian even thinks there's more in store for Bottas.

Unleashed Bottas

Speaking to Motorsport.com Wolff commented: "He was the fastest man on the track, the best in tyre management. He always kept everything under control and also picked up the fastest lap. This race of his is a 10 out of 10." The Finn, now that he knows his future lies with Alfa Romeo after this season, seems to be driving less forced and without pressure.

Bottas' fastest lap means Mercedes are closing in on Red Bull Racing in the Constructors' Championship, despite the Austrian team having two drivers on the podium. Wolff also predicts Bottas will play a very strong role in the title fight between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton: "He can play a vital role in the constructors' championship, but also support Lewis, because in Turkey only Valtteri's performance prevented Max from scoring eight more points. "

Mercedes happy with competitive package

In any case, Wolff is pleased with the progress Mercedes has made in terms of speed, something that worried him earlier this season. "I believe we have a very good package now. The car is competitive and was very competitive [in Turkey], and if there had been no grid penalty, I think we could have had every chance to finish first and second and have eight more points. I'm looking at the future cautiously optimistic. Austin is a track we love and it's a new opportunity. Although in the drivers' championship I'm sure it's going to be the battle to the end."