0
Valtteri Bottas says that his chance of winning the Chinese Grand Prix disappeared at the start of the race.
The Finn, who started from pole position, was jumped off the line by teammate Lewis Hamilton, who went on to take the win unchallenged.
Hamilton takes over the lead in the championship, as Bottas held it after the opening two rounds of the year.
"I think I lost it in the start, honestly," said Bottas. "Otherwise the car was feeling OK and the pace was similar. But in the first stint, in the dirty air, I couldn't follow.
"It was a shame about the start. I got some wheelspin as I went over the white line, the start/finish line, which is immediately after my [grid] box, so I lost it there."
Despite being disappointed to miss out on the race win, Bottas says that he can be proud of his opening three races of the year, as Mercedes has secured three 1-2 finishes.
"It is small details [that cost Bottas] but it is early days in the season, things are looking good," he stated. "I am really proud for the team we've done three perfect weekends so far that is very good."
Race-winner Hamilton concurred with Bottas that the start made all the difference in the outcome of the race.
"The start was really where I was able to make the difference and after that it was history. It has not been a straightforward weekend but what a fantastic result for the team. Everyone has worked so hard.
"We came here and didn't know where we would stand against the Ferraris, as they were so quick in the last race."
Grand Prix of ChinaLocal time
Grand Prix of ChinaLocal time
Bahrain International Circuit - Testing
M. Verstappen
G. Russell
92,231 comments on Mercedes
2 members have this team as their favourite
Tweets about Valtteri Bottas
370,071 comments on Mercedes 44 members have this team as their favourite Tweets about Mercedes
Spain
Spain
Bahrain
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Australia
Albert Park
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Bahrain
Bahrain International Circuit
Azerbaijan
Baku City Circuit
Spain
Circuit de Catalunya
Monaco
Monte Carlo
Canada
Gilles Villeneuve
France
Paul Ricard
Austria
Red Bull Ring
United Kingdom
Silverstone
Germany
Hockenheimring
Hungary
Hungaroring
Belgium
Spa-Francorchamps
Italy
Monza
Singapore
Marina Bay Street Circuit
Russian
Sochi Autodrom
Japan
Circuit Suzuka
Mexico
Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
United States of America
Circuit of the Americas
Brazil
Interlagos
United Arab Emirates
Yas Marina Circuit
Replies (0)
Login to reply