Bottas: Abu Dhabi GP one of my best

Valtteri Bottas said the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was one of his best performances of the 2019 season, having carved through the field from 10th to finish fourth.

Bottas began the weekend knowing he would start from the back of the grid due to engine penalties, and his charge from the back was hampered by an 18-lap wait for DRS to be enabled on the Yas Marina Circuit, one of F1's least overtaking-friendly venues.

The Finn caught third-placed Charles Leclerc towards the end of the race, but just ran out of laps to sign off 2019 with a podium.

"It was a really tough race, I was giving it everything I could, but I have to say it was pretty good fun, coming from the back," Bottas said.

"We had a really strong car today but it wasn't the easiest of races. In the beginning we did nearly the first 20 laps without DRS and that made it more difficult to make progress through the field.

"I tried and I feel I couldn't have done anything more, so I feel pretty satisfied about today.

"Obviously, it would have been nice to be on the podium, but it doesn't matter, I feel I have it all and that's what matters.

"I have good confidence from this season.

"Even today, even though I finished fourth, which is not a great result when you are at Mercedes, with this car, I'm really, really happy about that because it was one of the best races of my season."

Bottas could still inherit third place from Leclerc, with Ferrari under investigation for a fuel irregularity.

Related

F1 Social

F1 winner stars in HILARIOUS viral clip as rivals hail 'legend'

• March 20, 2024 22:57

F1 News & Gossip

F1 star admits Red Bull concern which affects the 'whole wide world'

• March 20, 2024 09:57
• 2