Bottas: Poor start contributed to disappointing third place

Spanish Grand Prix

Poor start contributed to 'disappointing' third place, says Bottas

The Finn was slow off the line and couldn't recover to get past Max Verstappen

Paul Macdonald

Sunday 16 August 2020 17:05

Make us your Google favorite

Valtteri Bottas admitted his poor start was the contributory factor to his third-place finish in the Spanish Grand Prix.

The Finn was slow off the grid at the start of the race and from there struggled with race pace to put pressure on Max Verstappen in second place.

Near the end it seemed as if he was ready to mount a challenge, but in the end had to pit to ensure he collected an extra point for the fastest lap.

Article continues under video

Speaking at the podium after the race, Bottas said: "I think the start was the key point, it was not good enough. I had to push hard to make some ground, and then you struggle with the tyre life.

"In the second stint I was stuck behind Max and everyone knows how difficult it is to overtake on this track, so in the end I think the start was the bad thing.

"It seems like Lewis was in front, and I think the guys behind me got a tow, and I had no tow.

"It was pretty tight, it didn't really work for me, I was pretty sandwiched. I'm disappointed."

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Fernando Alonso confirms F1 future as Aston Martin make major announcement

1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton has made the biggest mistake of his career as Ferrari carnage unfolds

2 hours ago

Shock Fernando Alonso claim made by former F1 team-mate: 'I was not allowed to beat him'

3 hours ago

Ferrari chief says Christian Horner is not the fix: 'One man alone cannot change things'

Today 09:43

Max Verstappen to McLaren is not dead with 'door wide open' for F1 transfer

Today 08:58

Ferrari line up replacement for Lewis Hamilton boss accused of 'terrible relationship'