Spanish Grand Prix

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

F1 News

Spanish Grand Prix

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

Paul Macdonald
Sunday 16 August 2020 16:05 - Updated: 16:06

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.

Article continues under video

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.

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."

F1 Tickets

Monaco Grand Prix

Monaco, Monaco

29 May Starting at €112

United States Grand Prix

Austin, Texas

23 Oct Starting at €257

Spanish Grand Prix

Barcelona, Spain

22 May Starting at €145

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi, UAE

18 November Starting at €367

▼ More F1 tickets

F1 News 24/7

GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.

We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.

With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.

Follow us on your favorite social media channel

Corporate & Media

Innovatieweg 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31(315)-764002

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY