Bottas Eye of The Tiger dailycarblog.com
Valtteri Bottas Needs To Find The Eye of The Tiger To Beat Hamilton
Formula One

It does sound like a 1980s throwback, I admit. What is the “eye of the Tiger”? As a direct translation, it refers to what the tiger’s prey last sees prior to being killed. The term was popularised in Rocky III. In sporting terms, as a competitor, it translates into finding that “something else” to beat your opponent. That ethereal “other” cannot be tutored, you can not learn it no matter how skilled you are, be it F1 or otherwise.

Finding the eye of the Tiger isn’t just about analyzing the data, or improving the diet, improving the details or training harder. It’s really about the state of mind. In other words, finding the right mentality. It’s about hitting back harder when your opponent has hit you really hard and knocked you down.

Hamilton found his eye of the Tiger when he won the 2019 Spanish Grand Prix. When Bottas hit really hard with a dominant qualifying display, Hamilton hit back harder to win the race. Just when Bottas thought he had Hamilton figured out, Hamilton goes on to raise his game.

That’s why Bottas looked utterly dejected after the Spanish Grand Prix. Lost in his own thoughts, he appeared shell-shocked. He’s driving at his best this season, Hamilton has struggled to adapt to the new tire regulations. Hamilton appeared to be a sitting duck yet he still won. How do you beat that?

Bottas Mr Glum Face dailycarblog.com

Hamilton is able to operate at a high level of performance seemingly at ease. Or so it appears from the outside. A driver such as Bottas will need to go through a routine, probably has a sports psychologist to remind him to remind himself about how fast he is.

Bottas may need to go through a routine to build up his mentality. Hamilton, on the other hand, goes to fashion shows prior to an F1 weekend. And when required he is seemingly able to switch on and off the mentality. Bottas’ confidence will take a hit.

I predict he will crash at the Monaco Grand Prix in a bid to show Hamilton who is the real boss. But at the end of the day, it isn’t just about driving and talent, it is about the state of mind. It’s about finding the eye of the Tiger.


Bottas Eye of The Tiger dailycarblog.com
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