Bottas believes Mercedes are slower than Red Bull and Ferrari

Valtteri Bottas suspects Mercedes have fallen behind both Ferrari and Red Bull in Formula 1's speed stakes, but is not concerned that it will continue into 2020.

Although the Silver Arrows have secured a record-breaking sixth straight title double in 2019, with Lewis Hamilton taking the drivers' title, Mercedes have taken just one pole position in the last nine races – Bottas' Saturday success in the United States.

Max Verstappen dominated the Brazilian Grand Prix last time out, winning from pole, with Hamilton simply unable to make any inroads on the Dutchman at Interlagos.

Bottas says Red Bull's Brazil performance caught Mercedes off-guard slightly, as they head into Abu Dhabi facing the prospect of potentially having the third-fastest car.

"We knew they would be strong, but I think they were even stronger than we expected, especially in a straight line," Bottas said.

"They have a good car in the corners now but in a straight line they are better than us now. It used to be pretty similar to us.

"If you look at the beginning of the season to the end of the season, I think Red Bull has made some solid progress. So if you would draw that graph till next year, yes [Red Bull will stay ahead].

"But obviously it's a completely new season with a new car. I'm sure every team has made progress, including us, with their new car that is going to be there in testing.

"So it's impossible to predict, really. Everyone starts from zero, even though there's not many regulation changes it's still new cars."

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