ROSS BRAWN : IT’S NOW A MENTAL BATTLE FOR BOTTAS

Except for the inaugural race in Austria, Bottas is yet to see the top of a podium in 2020.

Ross Brawn believes Valtteri Bottas will be hurting following his latest defeat to a “relentless” Lewis Hamilton in the Tuscan Grand Prix.

Bottas seemed set to challenge Mercedes team-mate Hamilton at Mugello after finishing quickest across all three practice sessions for the first time in his career, before setting the pace in Q1.

Hamilton responded when it mattered most, however, by claiming his 95th pole position, 90th career win and 51st fastest lap, adding two further records to his portfolio en route.

Formula 1’s managing director motorsport Brawn feels Bottas will struggle to come to terms with his latest loss to Hamilton that has left him 55 points adrift in the drivers’ standings.

“Valtteri will leave Tuscany believing he should have a victory trophy in his possession, the Finn was in tremendous shape after snatching the lead from Lewis,” said Brawn in his regular post-race column.

“But he let the win slip through his fingers and he must be struggling to come to terms with another defeat to the reigning world champion.

“This one will hurt and will leave him asking himself, what does he need to do to get the better of his team-mate?

“He’s still in the championship hunt, of course, but as every race goes by, his chances are slipping away.

“It’s now a mental battle because he has the speed. But Lewis is relentless, takes every opportunity and rarely gives one to his opposition.”

However, with 8 races to go, he’ll be looking forward to the remaining races to work upon.

ROSS BRAWN : IT’S NOW A MENTAL BATTLE FOR BOTTAS ROSS BRAWN : IT’S NOW A MENTAL BATTLE FOR BOTTAS

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