F1 Mid-Season Review: 5 best drivers at the halfway stage

#4 Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

Valtteri Bottas

It has been a case of so close yet so far when it comes to describing the season of Valtteri Bottas. Much was expected from the Finn after he moved to a much faster racing machine in Mercedes, and many are now witnessing the potential that was talked about in the years prior.

But a major victory has eluded the driver thus far despite putting in a number of strong performances. Hamilton has been quick to acknowledge his teammate's efforts this season and did so as recently as Hungary, where Bottas kept Vettel from gaining on Hamilton and unfortunately suffered damage late on. Similarly, Bottas missed out in Azerbaijan when a puncture denied him a famous win, but still led to Hamilton taking the chequered flag. A team player no doubt, he just needs some luck to go his way.