Bottas is often quicker than Lewis in FP1 1 and FP2 and occasionally outqualifies Lewis. He rarely beats Lewis on Sunday for two reasons. First, Lewis is simply better at race management, and by that I mean tire management. The guy simply knows how to finesse those tires to get the maximum out of them. And second...and let's not kid ourselves...he gets the better Merc strategy. How often have we seen Bottas used as an old tampon in order to get Lewis into be better position vs a competitor? Happens all the time. Nope Valtteri...stay out there on those crappy mediums for a bit longer in front of Max. By the time Bottas is allowed to box...hey, Lewis is 8 seconds clear! Thanks Valtteri!
Now, don't get me wrong. Lewis is the superior driver and deserves all he has. And Lewis simply does not make mistakes. But Bottas isn't exactly given a level field to play often enough on race day. It will be interesting to see how they play these two on Sunday. Who gets to be Lewis?
The Lewis of today is vastly different from the Lewis of 10 years ago. Young/immature overly aggressive and petulant then.
He rarely makes mistakes should be his mantra now. Even peak Schumie couldn't claim that.
After he retires and given time, he will be recognised as the greatest driver for his thoughtful, skilled driving.