Valtteri Bottas ‘always’ saw Lewis Hamilton show one ‘strength’ at Mercedes to set Hungarian Grand Prix record

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Valtteri Bottas has pinpointed one of Lewis Hamilton’s many strengths that allowed him to be as dominant as he was at the Hungarian Grand Prix over the course of his F1 career.

Lewis Hamilton‘s eight wins at the Hungaroring is a Hungarian Grand Prix record, with only the British Grand Prix holding more wins for the British driver as the overall record in F1.

Despite the track being among Hamilton’s favourites, success there this season may prove to be a difficult task due to the struggles he has faced in getting to grips with his new Ferrari F1 car in 2025. He is currently experiencing his longest streak in F1 without a podium.

One sliver of hope for Hamilton comes in the form of a brake change that Ferrari made before the Belgian Grand Prix. It allowed the seven-time world champion to flex one of his greatest strengths, which he put into effect in an overtaking clinic in the opening laps at Spa-Francorchamps.

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Lewis Hamilton was always ‘better’ than Valtteri Bottas at keeping tyre temperatures under control in Hungary

Speaking to Tom Clarkson on the F1 Nation podcast ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Valtteri Bottas touched upon another strength of Hamilton’s that made him so dominant at the Hungaroring in previous seasons, saying, “His strengths here were in the race, mainly.

“Also, in qualifying, obviously, he’s very consistent and has always been able to nail the lap. His strength was the last sector, especially the last couple of corners, because of his driving style through those last two corners.

“The tyres are roasting, even on the quali lap at the end, and he could still always be consistent and manage the minimum speed in the corners really well. But in the race, his strength was all about tyre temps.

“He could keep the tyre temperatures under control here better than myself. That was his strength. He was best at the race pace he could have on this track, and that is trying to limit the rear tyre from overheating.”

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Valtteri Bottas could be racing against his former teammate Lewis Hamilton next season with Cadillac

Bottas has emerged as one of the most sought-after drivers in F1 who isn’t currently on the grid. With the arrival of Cadillac coming next season, the American team are yet to announce who will be driving for them in their maiden F1 season.

The Finn’s championship-winning experience from his time at Mercedes makes him an excellent choice for a team with no former footprint in the sport. Bottas told journalists at the Belgian Grand Prix that an agreement with Cadillac is ‘close’, but we are yet to get any official confirmation on the deal.

Bottas has also been tipped to replace Colapinto at Alpine during F1’s summer break following the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Colapinto is currently on a race-by-race contract with Alpine after he replaced Jack Doohan following a poor first six rounds from the Australian. The Alpine car, which has been shared between the two drivers, is yet to score a single point this season.