To say Valtteri Bottas was unlucky at Mercedes is an understatement. The Finn, who is moving to Alfa Romeo in 2022, would have wanted to end his last Mercedes season at least at a high point. But while Bottas had as many poles as his team-mate this season, his results on Sunday were a completely different story.
ADVERTISING
Article continues below this ad
The race in Qatar showed another pattern of bad luck with falls, punctures and reliability issues. Many speculated about the reason for Bottas’ retirement from the race. However, it has now been revealed that the real reason for his resignation was an engine problem.
According to Motorsport, Bottas’ car showed a problem with the fuel system on Sunday. This problem started at the beginning of the race and then reappeared later, leading to his retirement. Mercedes got to the bottom of the problem a few days later and they will replace the defective fuel pump.
ADVERTISING
Article continues below this ad
It is crucial for Mercedes that replacing this part of the engine does not result in a penalty.
The only thing that stands between Mercedes and the eight championships in a row are two good race results. And in view of the proximity of the rival, the Silver Arrows need Bottas in top form, and for that he needs his car in top form.
DIVE DEEPER
Valtteri Bottas will be the key to Hamilton and Mercedes’ battle with their rivals
The gap between Mercedes and Red Bull is just five points, while the gap between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen is just eight points.
However, one of those gaps could be widened and the other surpassed as Mercedes continues its recent run. The German team have found a tempo advantage over their rivals in recent weeks that has led them to two much-needed wins for Hamilton.
Formula 1 F1 – Qatar Grand Prix – Losail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar – November 21, 2021 Mercedes Valtteri Bottas in action REUTERS / Thaier Al-Sudani
But when you consider how rival Red Bull usually uses both drivers as part of its racing strategy, Bottas’ role at Mercedes becomes even more important in the last two races.
ADVERTISING
Article continues below this ad
In fact, Bottas is also in a duel for third place with Sergio Perez, who has overtaken him due to his consistent results. The Mercedes driver is almost 13 points ahead of the Mexican.
Formula 1 F1 – Great Britain Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, UK – July 18, 2021 Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the race in third place Mercedes Valtteri Bottas REUTERS / Peter Cziborra
All the more reason for Bottas to achieve good results in the coming races. Especially since his time at Mercedes is coming to an end, he wants to at least end it by helping his team in the biggest title fight in history.
ADVERTISING
Article continues below this ad
SEE: Valtteri Bottas & Toto Wolff share a moving moment after the unfortunate F1 race in Qatar
Did you enjoy reading this article? Download our exclusive app for 24×7 coverage, latest memes and social media banter. Click here to download.
The post Careful Hamilton! Valtteri Bottas is said to have suffered a Mercedes F1 engine failure at the Qatar GP first appeared on monter-une-startup.
