Bottas explains expletive response to critics

Valtteri Bottas has claimed his "f*** you" response to his critics in the immediate aftermath of his Russian Grand Prix victory was a sign he is not someone who will ever throw in the towel.

Bottas has naturally come under fire and pressure following Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton's stunning run of success this season that has left him within sight of his seventh Formula 1 world title.

The Finn at least stopped the rot with his ninth career win to close the gap to Hamilton in the drivers' standings to 44 points and keep the fight going.

After taking the chequered flag, Bottas immediately fired a broadside at those who have suggested he should walk away from F1, or at least leave Mercedes.

Explaining his remarks, and insisting such negativity had not been playing on his mind, Bottas said: "Honestly, I just [don’t] get the people who have the need to criticise people.

"You know, there have been people telling me that I should not bother, I should give up, but how I am, I will never do that. So I just wanted to - again - send my best wishes to them. It just came out.

A reminder that these drivers are real people. With real feelings. Real dreams.

Keep doing your thing , VB. ? pic.twitter.com/T0uw7pLl3X

— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) September 28, 2020

"But the main thing is I’m confident. When I come to every race weekend, I’m confident and I believe I can do it and that’s how I’m always going to be. You have to have that mindset."

In qualifying, Bottas was comfortably beaten by Hamilton, who was forced to dip into his own mental reserves after almost missing out on Q2.

Although a 10-second time penalty compromised Hamilton's race, Bottas believes his performance will have highlighted to others as to what can be achieved if you keep battling.

Describing his Saturday as "tough", Bottas added: "I didn’t give up, I looked at it positively. I knew there would be opportunities and things came to me.

"I hope I can encourage people not to give up because that’s the biggest mistake you can do in your life."

Before you go...

Seidl lays full blame for wretched Russian Grand Prix on Sainz

Five talking points from the Russian Grand Prix

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