'Hamilton, Bottas is F1's strongest line-up'

Mika Hakkinen believes that Mercedes' combination of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas is the strongest driver line-up on the Formula 1 grid.

The Silver Arrows romped to a sixth-straight title double in 2019, a new F1 record run of dominance, with Hamilton securing his fifth title in six years by following Bottas home at the United States GP.

Bottas has been Hamilton's closest challenger this year, and has more pole positions than F1's record qualifier, with the Finn's improving performances catching the eye of his world champion compatriot.

Hakkinen wrote for Unibet: "I have always said that team work is an essential part of Mercedes' formula for success, and on a weekend when Lewis clinched the World Championship it was great to see such a strong and impressive performance from Valtteri Bottas.

"He really owned this year's United States Grand Prix, taking a very good pole position on Saturday and driving a perfect race on Sunday to optimise the team's strategy and secure the victory.

"Valtteri has now won four Grands Prix in 2019, and taken second place in the World Championship – his strongest season so far, and a great indication of the progress he has continued to make.

"It was also good to see how happy team boss Toto Wolff was to have Valtteri winning the race and Lewis securing the Championship.

"Toto knows that he has the strongest driver combination in Formula 1 at the moment, and the team can now start to focus on continuing that success in 2020. I am sure Mercedes will again be the team to beat."

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