Doctor gives Bottas winning vision

The eye expert who works with Eddie Jones’ England is now focused on new Mercedes driver By Matt Majendie

LEWIS HAMILTON may have his sights set on a fourth world title but new team-mate Valtteri Bottas also has his eyes on the prize with an insightful weapon to gain the edge.

The Mercedes driver is working with Dr Sherylle Calder — aka ‘The Eye Lady’, who was a key part of Eddie Jones’s back-room staff as England retained their Six Nations title this month.

Hamilton is second on the all-time winners list with 53 victories, while Bottas is yet to top the podium after 77 grands prix with previous employers Williams.

But vision specialist Calder, through her business EyeGym, is confident she can help transform Bottas into a winner this season, which gets under way in Melbourne on Sunday.

“Valtteri is great and we’ve always said he’s got exceptional skill and that, if he gets a good enough car, we’ll be able to see exactly what he can do,” said the South African. “There’s so much potential there. We’re confident Valtteri will do really well. He’s got huge potential to beat absolutely anybody on the grid.

“We believe if he keeps training with us, that will give him the edge, taking him to the next level he needs this season.”

The former international hockey player turned sports scientist, first worked with Bottas in 2010 before joining F1 through a partnership with McLaren.

“We did something with McLaren in Finland and to show his commitment he drove three hours to get there,” Calder said of the first encounter.

In the build-up to the biggest season of Bottas’ career he is again working with Calder, who tailors individual programmes for her clients, ranging from computer work to action on their field of play.

Bottas has claimed to have “faster, fit eyes” come race day. He said: “My eyes feel good throughout a race, everything is clear and sharp and I’ve plenty of time to react to situations.”

Calder has walked certain tracks with him, including F1’s jewel in the crown at

‘We believe if he keeps training with us, that will give him the edge, taking him to the next level he needs this season’

Dr Sherylle Calder

Monaco, to prepare her latest charge for the rigours of his challenge.

She comes with royal approval, too, her nickname originating from the Queen, who gave her the moniker at the first of two visits Calder made to Buckingham Palace.

Sir Clive Woodward brought Calder into his England set-up en route to winning the 2003 Rugby World Cup, with Jonny Wilkinson, Will Greenwood and Matt Dawson among those heaping praise on her, and she was also part of the staff as South Africa won the trophy four years later.

Other clients have included golfers Charl Schwartzl and Ernie Els, who claimed she was the secret to his success at the 2012 Open and who has joined forces with her again in the lead-up to next month’s Masters.