Max Verstappen highlights the importance of the number two driver role in the winning of a Formula 1 team taking Valtteri Bottas as an example.
A number two driver plays a vital role in a Formula 1 team. The main job of the second driver is to help the main man i.e. the first driver win. Often, the second driver will sacrifice their position to help the first driver fight the championship.
Former Mercedes driver and Lewis Hamilton‘s teammate Valtteri Bottas are often considered a great “wingman” for the Briton. It can be argued that Bottas supported Hamilton a lot in his title challenges while being in the same machinery as the seven-time world champion.
“At a certain point, you realise that it won’t happen again. He understands that,”
argues Jos Verstappen, speaking on Viaplay.
“Bottas had that opportunity with Mercedes for many years, and now he drives for Alfa Romeo. I think he is on his last stint in Formula 1.”
“If you’re part of a championship team, you go for it and try. After a few races you realise that it’s not going to work.”
‘You have to accept your role’ – Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen thinks Valtteri Bottas understood and accepted his role as the number two driver perfectly in Mercedes. The Dutchman believes he supported Hamilton’s campaign while taking wins and poles on odd occasions.
He added:
“Every year he starts fresh, but after a few races you realise it’s not going to happen again and you accept your role. He still finished on podiums, he won a few races and took pole positions.”
“You just have to accept that the driver next to you is just a bit better. That’s fine, that can happen.”
Verstappen feels number two drivers need to accept their role in the team otherwise it can harm the progress of an F1 team.
“It’s important that he accepted it,”
Verstappen said, referring to Bottas.
“Some drivers can’t do that and then it goes completely wrong.”
“Then they don’t survive for very long. I’m not going to name names, but you have to accept your role. You can’t live in a fairytale world.”
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