"Relaxed" Bottas claims F1 future clarity secured qualifying high

Valtteri Bottas claimed he was "relaxed" during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix sprint after resolving his future in F1.

The Finn set the quickest time, pipping team-mate Lewis Hamilton to ensure he will start at the front for tomorrow's 100km sprint qualifying.

In the week George Russell was finally confirmed to be taking over Bottas' seat at Mercedes, the nine-time grand prix winner announced a move to Alfa Romeo.

Bottas was entrusted to provide Hamilton with a crucial slipstream but upon picking up a tow from others ahead, he was able to go 0.096secs faster than the British driver.

"That qualifying lap was nice," said Bottas. "It feels so good when you get a nice lap and nice to save it to the end and had a bit of the tow finally.

"I made it very clear that if we wanted a front-row lockout, we will need a tow and luckily we found one in the end.

"It was good fun, I enjoyed it. As I say, I feel good, I feel relaxed now that everything is sorted with the future.

"I am really pleased with the team today. The car has been so good and obviously further on, next year, there will be exciting things for me and I am looking forward to it but for now, focused on tomorrow's sprint race."

Mercedes, however, has elected to change multiple components of Bottas' power unit meaning he will drop to the back of the grid for Sunday's Grand Prix.

"Starting from the front expecting to get the maximum points tomorrow and do the best job we can on Sunday," explained Bottas. "The weekend has started nicely and I am happy."

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