Mercedes noticed a fuel leak at the end of FP3 which forced it to switch to an older unit.
Bottas was able to participate in qualifying as usual, but it looked like a problem had re-emerged when he reported “misfires”.
The problem was solved when Bottas continued his strong form in qualifying and secured second place on the grid behind Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
With Max Verstappen in third place, the Finn admitted that it was an “important” session for the team in search of the eighth constructors ‘championship in a row, while Hamilton wants to win the eighth drivers’ title.
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“That was an important qualifying today,” he said. “For me, I had a bit of trouble in FP3 and actually had to change the engines. The guys just finished the car before qualifying and everything worked fine so I was happy.
“The last lap was at the limit and I enjoyed it, but it’s a tough track. I mean, we push one lap at a time and the grip doesn’t decrease, so it’s pretty tough. “
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Bottas admitted that the late engine change hadn’t affected his preparations for qualifying and he has promised to buy some beers for the mechanics as they fitted the new unit so quickly.
“My preparations, not at all,” explained Bottas. “The guys, you got the car ready just in time and everything worked fine, so I already told you I would buy them a couple of beers if we can have some. It’s on me. “
Since team-mate Hamilton is still in an intense battle for the title with Verstappen, Bottas is more focused on “maximizing the team result” than on trying to win the race.
“Of course I’ll try if I can win the race, but if not, we have to maximize the team result,” added Bottas.
“I’m not fighting for the championship anymore, we have to keep that in mind, Lewis and Max, so we have to see what’s best for the team.”
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