Hakinen: The uncertainty at Meben eroded Bottas' confidence

Mika Hakinen said he was happy to see his compatriot Walteri Bottas travel to Alpha Romeo, where he would be "trusted for a long time".

Bottas has previously said that his one-year contract during Mercedes' tenure did not completely relax him. His battle with George Russell for the Mercedes spot had been an important topic in the paddock before the decision was made, but now that he has moved to Alfa Romeo, Bottas talked about how he intends to build the team around himself and use his three-year contract to help the team progress.

Hakinen said that while he will have to get used to playing low-level games on the field, having such job security will benefit him.

Hakinen said at a press conference: "Valtri is a fantastic team driver and now he can be prepared for the long term. Mercedes always signed him a contract year after year, there was always a bright light at the end of the tunnel, but there was always a locked door waiting for him. ”

The two-time world champion used a similar narrative to Bottas when describing the delicate state of mind as a driver who doesn't know what's going to happen in the future. Given his status as a "wingman," Bottas has often been asked to make way for his teammates for most of his Mercedes career. But now that Bottas has secured a spot for the next three seasons, he should pick himself up from his long-standing "trust.".

Hakinen said: "He didn't get the respect he wanted from Mercedes and the uncertainty eroded his confidence and now Walteri finally has the opportunity to drive in a long-trusted team. ”