Bottas cool despite championship nearing the tail end

THERE are only six races left in the Formula 1 world championship, but Finland’s Valtteri Bottas (pic) is under no pressure to deliver a one-two finish for Mercedes.

Bottas replaced Nico Rosberg at the start of the year, following the German’s retirement after beating Lewis Hamilton to the world title.

Rosberg was the runner-up behind Hamilton in 2014 and 2015. Mercedes have also won the constructors’ championship three times in a row.

Bottas, whose contract has been renewed for another year, is more comfortable tackling each round as it comes.

The 28-year-old is third with 212 points behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who has 235 points.

Bottas’ teammate Lewis Hamilton leads the championship with 263 points.

“On paper, there is still a very good chance we can have a one-two finish in the world championship for Mercedes.

“But I do not want to be over-confident. As what we seen in Singapore, anything can happen in a race.

“I want to take things step by step. I had my difficult moments but I hope I can find the momentum to fight for better results,” said Bottas, who bagged his 10th podium of the year after finish- ing third at the Singapore GP two weeks ago.

Bottas, who has won twice this year – in Russia and Austria – also felt lucky to get to race for Mercedes at Sepang.

“This is the first time I’m racing on a track which the team considers its home race.

“It is new to me as I am racing for Mercedes for the first time here but I am also sad as it will be the last.

“I hope we can do well and finish strong this weekend,” said Bottas.