2
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has affirmed his delight with the performance of the team after taking his third Austrian Grand Prix pole position this afternoon at the Red Bull Ring.
Bottas will start tomorrow's race on pole alongside teammate Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes front-row lockout, despite a brief off-track excursion and spin for Bottas in the final seconds of Q3.
Wolff acknowledges need for 2026 regulation adjustments
Toto Wolff and Christian Horner in battle for Alpine shares
Speaking after the qualifying session, Bottas exclaimed his desire to see how well his team were competing, saying that he believed Mercedes were in 'their own league.'
"Yeah, it feels really good," Bottas said.
"I missed this feeling after the qualifying. The shakes, it's something special when you push the car the limit and I've obviously been preparing for this a long time.
"It feels so good. Can't say more than that and our team, an amazing job to be in our own league."
Bottas: Mercedes W11 'really impressive' to drive
Bottas also spoke about his delight with the W10, noting how impressed he is by the car's performance and speed.
The W10 has topped all the sessions so far this weekend, with Mercedes also taking a 1-2 finish in all three practice sessions prior to qualifying.
The car has not been without controversy over the weekend, however, as Red Bull launched a query with the FIA over the car's Dual-Axle Steering (DAS) on Friday evening. The FIA confirmed the device to be legal and that it is not in any breach of the sporting regulations.
"It's very impressive to see," Bottas added.
"It's only the first qualifying session of the season but I am so impressed so thanks to everyone in the team. It's truly an amazing car to drive. It was a good result today but it's tomorrow that matters"
Azerbaijan Grand Prix
I. Hadjar
A. Antonelli
C. Leclerc
2 members have this team as their favourite
Replies (2)
Login to replyPistonhead
Posts: 556
Brought his A-game and drove brilliantly - a solid start today should see him hold position on this tighter than tight track. Couldn't be happier for him. I am though happier for a certain Mr Norris - what a drive, when was the last time we saw a McLaren that high up the grid at any point in a race?
abhidbgt
Posts: 283
Last year's Austrian Grand prix I think Norris was in 3rd position after Verstappen's bad start.