Finnish driver Valtteri Bottas still thinks both the driver's and constructor's championships are within Mercedes' reach during the upcoming 2021 F1 season. It's fair to say that Mercedes struggled during F1's sole preseason test. The German outfit were plauged by gearbox issues during the morning session on the first day and found themselves on the backfoot ever since. To make matters worse their 2021 F1 car the W12 seems to be having issues with Pirelli's new tire compounds as well as a general issue with the car's balance. Despite the aforementioned problems, Bottas beleives the team can still win both the drivers and constructors titles in 2021. "I absolutely believe that both the car and the team have what it takes to go for the world title," Bottas told F1 TV. "The car has the potential, even if it is not quite coming out yet. The package isn't quite right in terms of performance yet, but there's no question in my mind that we'll work hard to unlock that potential." Despite the issues Bottas did top the afternoon session on day two, with the Finn feeling confident heading into the season. "I am ready, I have had enough time in the car and felt comfortable in the car in both the short and long runs, so personally. I am ready for it," Bottas explained. "As a team we will also be ready, I have no doubt about that. We are just as ready as everyone else and hopefully a little more." Mercedes have not entered a F1 season with so much uncertainity in the Turbo V6 Hybrid era. Their response will indicate the level of resiliance the team possesses after experiencing seven straight years of dominance without ever being tested properly.
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