Bottas “surprised” by Mercedes’ comments about his Monaco pit stop

Valtteri Bottas was not present in Baku this Thursday, his flight plan having been disrupted by an unforeseen event. Magic of modern technologies and means of communication: the pilot Mercedes was still able to speak to the press from the Finnish airport where he was stuck. 

Bottas notably looked back on his Monaco weekend, which ended with blood sausage and a failed pit stop. The Mercedes mechanics were unable to remove his right front tire after having machined the wheel nut instead of disengaging it. 

After the race, the main team Toto wolff affirmed that several factors had come into play in this unfortunate incident, which deprived the Finn of a fine podium in the Principality. Including poor positioning of the car. Words which did not fail to astonish Bottas. 

« This actually surprised me, admitted the main person concerned. I saw the images again and for me I was perfectly placed during my stop, so yes I am surprised ».

The Finn added that he had not discussed the subject in more detail with his boss. However, he clarified that he had already alerted his team to the potential risks they faced during this crucial phase of the race. 

« The problem did not arise out of nowhere, said Bottas. We knew we weren't perfect when it came to pit stops. This is not the only area where we are in difficulty, there is also the question of warming up the tires. 

Obviously, I wanted to see the data and reports about my pit stop. I was maybe 2-3 cm from the center line. But if you are in this window, you are generally in a good place. We can have variations of around 10-15 cm so I think I was in my marks ».

Added to the thinly veiled criticism of Lewis Hamilton towards his team, the statements of Wolff and other Mercedes officials may suggest that the atmosphere is not the most serene in the clan of seven-time world champions. Bottas, whose future with his employer seems to be more and more dotted, assures that « everyone sticks together » and there reigns a beautiful “ collective spirit » in the ranks of Mercedes. The group is therefore living well.