Bottas: “It could be very close with the Ferraris”

Mocked for his lack of speed against his teammate Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) since the Asian tour, Valtteri Bottas silenced the critics by signing the third pole position of his career Saturday at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo (Brazil). The conclusion of an ideal day for the Finn.

In the morning, the wearer of number 77 had already realized the best performance, during Free Practice 3. The pressure redoubled on the shoulders of the former GP3 champion when reigning champion Lewis Hamilton smashed his car against the wall of tires from his first flying lap in Q1.

In no way disturbed by this accident, Valtteri Bottas managed to defend the interests of the star brand brilliantly. Second at the start of his last timed lap, the Nordic driver managed to take the lead under the checkered flag by 38 thousandths. " It feels good ", sighed the pole sitter in the parc ferme. “I'm still shaking, but it's a great feeling! It was so tight with Sebastian throughout the session. Fortunately, I completed a good lap. »

“Lewis' exit at the start of qualifying is a shame, but I'm delighted to have done my part for the team. » Still in the running to become vice-champion this season (he is 15 points behind Sebastian Vettel), Valtteri Bottas expects to live “a very difficult race”. “We have a powerful car and it could be very tight with the Ferrari."