Brawn backs "chin up" Bottas in Alfa Romeo switch

Formula 1 managing director motorsports Ross Brawn has heaped praise on Valtteri Bottas following the Finn's dominant performance in the Turkish Grand Prix.

Bottas scored his first F1 victory in over a year by finishing 14.5 seconds clear of Max Verstappen in damp conditions in Istanbul.

After losing his Mercedes seat to George Russell for 2022 and being announced at Alfa Romeo, Brawn believes his Turkish weekend is a timely reminder of the talent possessed by the Finn.

"There were several good drives out there, including Carlos Sainz’s brilliant recovery drive from the back to score points, but my driver of the day goes to Valtteri Bottas," wrote Brawn in his post-race column.

"He did not put a foot wrong in very difficult conditions. Mercedes had a very good car, but he made the most of it and never allowed a threat from behind.

"He’s the outgoing member of the team and in this scenario, it is easy to drop your chin, but he kept his up and I think he did a brilliant job.

"We all know Max is supreme in those wet conditions, but he couldn’t touch Valtteri. He showed us that if Alfa can give him the car next year, he’ll respond and make the most of it."

With drivers' championship rivals Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton separated by just six points with six races remaining, the race for the constructors' crown will largely depend on the battle between Bottas and Sergio Perez.

After his victory, Bottas holds a 42 point advantage over the Mexican resulting in Mercedes enjoying a lead of 36 over Red Bull.

"Both championships are poised to take us through to the end of the season and provide one of the most exciting ends to the year that we’ve had in a long time," added Brawn. "F1 is blessed."

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