Bottas sets clear target of converting pole to victory

Valtteri Bottas has set his target of winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, after claiming his second consecutive pole position. The Finn beat teammate Lewis Hamilton to pole, while Ferrari failed to show any competitive pace in the session.

It was a closely fought battle between Bottas and Hamilton for the glory, as they traded sector times. However, both failed to improve on their final laps and Bottas's initial time of 1:36.231 was enough to see him take his fourth career pole position.

Last time out in Brazil, Bottas managed to hold off the Ferraris in qualifying after Hamilton crashed out in Q1. However, the Finn as left disappointed after the race, as he lost the lead at the first corner and failed to take it back. He is determined to not let the same thing happen again.

"Today, things were getting better and better for me during the practice session and also during the qualifying [session]," said Bottas. "I just managed to find time here and there and it was all under control and just felt really good in the car.

"The first Q3 run was really good, that was enough for pole, so I'm really happy. I was so gutted in Brazil, in the last race, being on pole and missing the win, so I have a clear target tomorrow and I'm sure you guys [fans] will support me so thank you."

 

Fergal Walsh

Replies (0)

Login to reply

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2026

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Cadillac F1
  • Points 1,608
  • Podiums 61
  • Grand Prix 211
  • Country FI
  • Date of b. Aug 28 1989 (36)
  • Place of b. Nastola, FI
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.73 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar