Lewis Hamilton does not have to ruin his F1 race to help me - Valtteri Bottas
LEWIS HAMILTON could be told to let Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas pass him at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Hamilton and Bottas keep busy during rain-delayed F1 qualifying
At least that’s what the Finnish driver has suggested ahead of Sunday’s race at Sao Paulo’s Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.
Hamilton goes into this weekend’s meet without any pressure having already secured his fourth Formula One title.
Bottas, meanwhile, can still leapfrog Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel into second if he performs well in Brazil and then Abu Dhabi in two weeks’ time.
Bottas admits second wasn’t his aim at the start of the campaign but that he’d be happy to take that with Hamilton already out of reach.
It depends on the situation
"Yes, it is possible [to end the season in second]," Bottas told Finnish broadcaster C More ahead of Sunday's race.
"The difference is 15 points and 50 points are still available, but it requires some good races in the next two weekends.
"Of course it's not the same as fighting for a championship, but second is always better than third.
"Especially for the team, first and second is better than first and third."
Valtteri Bottas says Mercedes could tell Lewis Hamilton to let him past at the Brazilian Grand Prix
Jenson Button: Hamilton is 'one of the quickest' drivers ever
Valtteri Bottas wants to finish second in the standings behind Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton
And Bottas says F1 champion Hamilton could be given orders to fall behind him in Brazil.
"It depends on the situation," he explained.
"Lewis has his own ambition, just like any other driver, so he wants to win the races even if his championship is safe.
"I'm not expecting anyone to completely ruin his race for me, so as I said it all depends on the situation."