Bottas 'didn't have the pace' in Brazil

  • Published on 13 Nov 2018 13:09
  • 5
  • By: Matthew Gretton

Valtteri Bottas confirms he “didn’t quite have the pace” during the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver watched his teammate Lewis Hamilton, win the race as the Finn finished in fifth at Interlagos. 

Bottas started the race from the second row on the grid and moved up to second place after an impressive overtake on Sebastian Vettel. But Max Verstappen caught up with Bottas and overtook as his tyres began to struggle with further blistering. 

After the pitstops, Bottas dropped down to fifth meaning his winless run extends into the final race of the season. However, he did pick up enough points to give Mercedes the constructor’s championship title for a fifth year in a row. 

“I think we didn't quite have the pace today. It was a slightly tougher race than I expected. I was a bit more optimistic before the race, but overall it is a great day for Mercedes,” said Bottas. 

"In the first stint, I was struggling with overheating tyres (and) in the second stint, I was struggling with blistering on the mediums, so we had to stop a second time. Everything went as planned at the start, but after that it got more difficult."

Replies (5)

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  • Seems Bottas doesn't have the pace anywhere..

    The question is:-
    option 1: He's just too slow
    option 2: Toto/Merc holding him back to benefit goldenboy?

    • + 0
    • Nov 13 2018 - 16:33
    • RogerF1

      Posts: 501

      It’s another sensor probably, couldn’t locate enough talent!

      • + 1
      • Nov 13 2018 - 19:43
    • boudy

      Posts: 1,168

      The issue is the tyre maintenance during an race. Bottas hasn't been able to switch these on properly. Hamilton seems to be able to get away with it.

      Option 1: Depends how you look at this, however he needs to be able to put more pressure on Hamilton.
      Option 2: Don't think so.

      • + 0
      • Nov 13 2018 - 19:46
  • sadosalo

    Posts: 198

    The wingman has to stop/block the Ferrari's, than the procession starts Toto please this is boring racing. Hamilton on pole because the party mode on the engine, Bottas not challenging him or he does not get the same boost, who knows. Biggest budget and manpower and still before every race weekend Hamilton the prophet start's his comedy central, the Ferrari's are faster, i try, we see in the race etc b.s. in the end he is on pole and wins the race, so he shows again and again he not his car is much better then the competion. The man never raced in a bad car from day 1 the last 10 years in a top team and car. Yes Lewis hopes to fight next year for the tittle he cant wait his own words, with the young guns LeClerc, Gasly and Max please he has no change if the car's are the same and he knows. Go Lewis the King so talented, oh before i answer your question thanks to all the workers in the factory and here in the garage all with low paid jobs thank you guys so much appreciated, next question? oh yes the paying crowd thanks for watching me, please buy my gear, i am a model, a rapper & musical talented, amazing stuff guys thanks and my glasses are also for sale soon, next question what was the question oh yes thanks everybody working hard for me in the factory, thanks Lewis interesting stuff.

    • + 1
    • Nov 14 2018 - 05:08

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