By: Luke Gardiner
Lewis Hamilton wants Valtteri Bottas left alone as Mercedes try and close the gap on Red Bull at the British Grand Prix this weekend.
Hamilton wants Bottas to be able to concentrate on his work after a less than impressive start to the season.
The Finn is a massive 58 points behind his team-mate who trails championship leader Max Verstappen by a further 32 points.
That has left Bottas facing criticism from fans and pundits as Russell continues to be linked with his seat.
Hamilton has defended his team-mate though and believes their partnership is a special one.
“Knowing my relationship with Valtteri makes him a great team-mate. I’ve always said that,” he told motorsport-total.com. “And to be honest, I feel like that we currently have the pairing that delivers best when it comes to balance in the team and the knowledge of how we can develop our car.
“At some point, that will change. I won’t be here forever, and neither will Valtteri.
“But for now, I think we have done well over the years and can do that we will continue to do so.
“People have to leave him alone sometimes so that he can concentrate on his work.” Hamilton has underlined again that he feels Bottas is his best ever team-mate despite teaming with the likes of Jenson Button, Nico Rosberg and Fernando Alonso in his career.
“We will continue to work together as a team, as we have done for many years,” the seven-time champion added. “I have always said that, overall, Valtteri is the best team-mate I have ever had.
The British Grand Prix takes place this weekend in front of a packed crowd. Saturday will feature the first ever sprint race and will form the grid for Sunday’s full-length race.
Source: express.co.uk