Valtteri Bottas says Williams F1 team in best shape he's known it
Valtteri Bottas says Williams is in the best shape he has known since joining the team as a Formula 1 reserve in 2010
The Finn, who spent three seasons as test and reserve driver for the Grove-based outfit before becoming a race driver in 2013, reckons the arrival of technical chief Pat Symonds last season, plus ex-Ferrari engineer Rob Smedley recently joining as head of vehicle performance, has helped transform the team's prospects.
"I've been a test driver since 2010 and this year is definitely the best since I've been here," Bottas said.
"All the right people coming in and many changes being made, how people work in the factory and communicate with the race team and everything, it's much better.
"I think one of the biggest [improvements] is that Pat joined us, I think he has been able to make a lot of changes to the team and I think that was very positive.
"Last year it was difficult to make any big improvements to the car, but this season is a big step from any previous year and I think that's because there's been more changes."
Bottas has already scored 24 points in four races this season, six times the number he managed across the whole of last year.
He is enthusiastic about the impact new arrival Smedley can make once he settles in.
"The first impression is very good because he has a lot of experience and already some ideas on what we can do better," Bottas added.
"I'm really looking forward to working with him more."
Previous article
Sebastian Vettel gets new Red Bull Formula 1 chassis for Spanish GP
Next article
Jenson Button: Mercedes will be on top in F1 for months yet
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Valtteri Bottas |
| Teams | Williams |
| Author | Ben Anderson |
Why Russell was right to be wrong about Bottas after Imola F1 clash
George Russell and Valtteri Bottas' collision at Imola on Sunday prompted fury in the Formula 1 paddock. But Russell's carefully-worded heartfelt statement later, acknowledging that his initial response was wrong, proved the right move
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
