TURIN, Italy: Valtteri Bottas has no intention of playing second fiddle to Lewis Hamilton and thinks the time is right for him to pip his Mercedes teammate to the title.
Bottas joined Hamilton at Mercedes at the start of 2017 to replace Nico Rosberg, following the world champion’s shock retirement days after beating Hamilton to the title.
The amiable Finnish driver was drafted in from Williams at short-notice. He was considered the ideal teammate for Hamilton, whose relationship with Rosberg was often sour during their four-year partnership and probably beyond repair by the end of it.
But although Bottas at times appeared consigned to a No. 2 role last season, as Hamilton went on to win his fourth title, he insists there is no seniority at Mercedes.
“People can always think what they think. Only what I care about is my own performance,” Bottas told The Associated Press in an interview. “I have high goals in Formula One, I know that I can do good things, I know that I can fight for the title, I can win races and we happen to work really well with Lewis.
“If someone thinks I’m only his helper that’s wrong because that’s not the case,” he added. “I’m here because I want to win and we’re starting the season with Lewis on equal terms, so it’s up to me and Lewis who will come out on top.”
Bottas finished third last season, 12 points behind Sebastian Vettel and 58 points behind Hamilton.
After winning three races last year — the first ones since he started in 2013 — Bottas is keen to challenge Hamilton all the way.
“I believe. I believe in myself,” Bottas said. “I always set very high targets and I was able to win a few races last year so I know I can do it. I just need to be more consistent and we’ll see.”
He appeared relaxed and determined as he responded to questions on the balcony of team sponsor Petronas’ new $60 million research and technology center in Turin. He is under pressure to perform, however, since he only has a one-year contract with Mercedes.
There are as yet no assurances he will keep his set for 2019, when other leading drivers are likely to be on the market.
“I want to win more races than last year. I want to fight for the title. I feel it’s my opportunity this year,” Bottas said. “I learnt so much with this team last season so if I can really learn from all the mistakes, especially from all the difficult races, I believe I can perform overall a lot better.”
Bottas had a frantic start to life at Mercedes, joining the team little over two months before the start of last season.
The 28-year-old has had a better preparation this year, and a relaxed offseason split between Finland and South Africa.
He Bottas believes that, coupled with a year’s experience under his belt, will stand him in good stead to mount a serious challenge.
“Everything is all set for the new year,” Bottas said. “Main thing I learnt last year is that I learnt that I had no clue how much I still had to learn. There were so many different things.”
Driving alongside Hamilton helped to speed up the process.
“I also learnt some things from Lewis,” he said. “It’s fine details and that’s what Formula One is about when you’re speaking about the hundredths/thousandths of a second.”
Valtteri Bottas ready to challenge teammate Lewis Hamilton for F1 title
Valtteri Bottas ready to challenge teammate Lewis Hamilton for F1 title
National team representation framework introduced for Esports Nations Cup 2026
- Within their respective countries, partners will have the responsibility of building, representing their national esports teams on global stage
- Esports World Cup Foundation to establish ENC Development Fund to support long-term growth of nation-based ecosystems
RIYADH: The Esports World Cup Foundation has introduced the national team representation framework for the Esports Nations Cup 2026 — the global nation-based esports competition set to debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in November — by opening the application process for official National Team Partners.
The Esports Nations Cup introduces national team representation to the global esports calendar in a structured, recurring format. It complements the club-based Esports World Cup by enabling players to compete under their national flag and offering fans an opportunity to connect with elite esports through national identity.
National Team Partners will serve as the official national counterparts for the ENC 2026, within their respective countries and territories, with the responsibility of building and representing their national esports teams on the global stage. In partnership with the EWCF, they will coordinate team representation for the ENC, oversee and support national team coaches per game title, and coordinate with game partners and clubs within the ENC framework.
Beyond competition, National Team Partners will shape their national team identity through marketing, communications, and community engagement, and collaborate with creators, media, and public institutions to mobilize their local communities to build national fandom for their teams.
While National Team Partners are responsible for the organization and representation of national teams, the competitive integrity and player eligibility remain governed by ENC rules and game partner-aligned processes.
Each selected national team partner will nominate a national team manager who will serve as the public lead and primary representative of the national team. They will act as the primary contact between the EWCF and the local ecosystem team, supporting coordination, representation and activation at the country and territory level, and are formally confirmed by the EWCF.
To support the long-term growth of nation-based esports, the EWCF will establish the ENC Development Fund, committing at least $20 million annually, beginning with ENC 2026. The fund will support national team programs by covering travel and logistics for participation in the Esports Nations Cup, and by enabling promotional and fan-facing activities that build relevance, awareness, and engagement around national teams beyond the main competition, supported by the commercial, marketing, and operational capabilities required to deliver these activities consistently over time.
This includes support for training camps and boot camps with structured fan access, exhibition matches and showcase events, official watch parties, national team tours, and appearances at major gaming and sports events.
Further details on scope, eligibility, and implementation will be shared with selected National Team Partners as part of the onboarding process.
Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, said: “The purpose of the Esports World Cup Foundation is to elevate esports and make it sustainable.
“The Esports Nations Cup is a natural next step in that journey. By opening this application process, we are inviting trusted National Team Partners to help define the framework for how countries and territories are represented in esports, with clear roles, aligned governance, and a system that works for players, game partners, and fans alike.”
Eligible applicants include esports organizations, clubs, agencies, nongovernmental organizations, national esports and sport federations and associations, recognized government-mandated entities, content creators, and experienced esports professionals with strong national ecosystem ties.
Applications are now open at esportsnationscup.com and will close on Jan. 31. Submissions will be reviewed through a multi-stage evaluation process, assessing governance standards, ecosystem standing, operational capability, community reach, and alignment with game partners’ requirements.
The first cohort of approved National Team Partners will be announced in early 2026.
The ENC will be held in Riyadh in November before moving to a rotating city model every two years.
