Alex Zanardi has joined the list of those who question Valtteri Bottas‘ move to Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team and his chance of competing successfully against team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
Bottas has recently dismissed comments made by Anthony Hamilton that his move to Mercedes could be career ending, stating he is not there to finish second. But Zanardi is not convinced that the Finn is capable of edging ahead of the three-time champion.
“Hamilton has proved several times that he has an extra level compared to the others,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Rosberg managed to beat him, but that was about his extra qualities. Bottas is a very good driver, no question, but he’s not a Nico.”
Zanardi may have little confidence in the Silver Arrow challenger, but he places a lot of belief in Red Bull Racing duo Max Verstappen and Daniel Riccardo.
“For Lewis, this makes it all the easier for him to dominate the championship,” he added.
“Behind him I see better chances for Red Bull to chase Mercedes than Ferrari.
“I trust Daniel Ricciardo, and above all Max Verstappen, a lot.”
