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Palmer: Bottas has "a soft touch"

19:37, 10 Apr 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Former Renault-driver Jolyon Palmer thinks that Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has a "bit of a soft touch" when discussing the Finn his late charge on Sebastian Vettel for the win during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Second-placed Bottas had Sebastian Vettel at his mercy in the last few laps, as Vettel's tyres were very worn out and Bottas' had relatively fresh tyres. He was gaining two seconds a lap, but couldn't pass the German eventually, and Vettel made it two of two to start the season.

"I've been in situations like Bottas was in," Palmer told BBC Sport.

"In any situation where a chance presents itself and you don't take it, as a racing driver you can't help but think of the missed opportunity."

Lewis Hamilton, who was in P3, was very far behind, which means a failed overtaking attempt wouldn't have big consequences for Bottas, Palmer argues.

"The only way such a move would end in tears is if he was half-hearted and stuck just a nose down the inside.

"That's where collisions so often happen."

Palmer compared Bottas' actions on Sunday to Daniel Ricciardo, who is known for his excellent overtaking ability and overall aggressiveness. Palmer explains that Ricciardo's moves don't always come off, but there's never a half-hearted effort from the Aussie. The same can't be said about Bottas

"He's seen as something of a soft touch in wheel-to-wheel fighting.

"Drivers are throwing moves down the inside of him that they wouldn't try on Hamilton.

"Bottas is an incredibly talented driver, but if he is to really take the fight to those around him, I feel he needs a bit more bite in the heat of battle."