Bottas on disappointing start: "Max had a really good start"

Valtteri Bottas was allowed to start from pole position thanks to a strong sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but lost this position to Max Verstappen at the start. The Finn told in the FIA press conference about the early stages of the race.

Because of the grid penalty for Hamilton, who had to start from the tenth position because of a change in his combustion engine, all hopes were pinned on a strong start from Bottas. Just like a week earlier in Mexico, Bottas failed to get away well, allowing Verstappen to seize his chance and pass him.

"I think Max had a really good start," Bottas began his explanation. "I think mine was, let’s say, average. I was hoping that would be enough to maintain the lead, but he was ahead of me going into Turn 1. My issue was a bit of clutch-slip, a bit too much, like the grip was good but just didn’t drive out really good, so we’ll have a look."

Bottas could therefore do nothing but let Verstappen pass. "Into Turn 1, I tried to brake as late as I could. We were side-by-side, and I was off the track at some point but, like I said, he was ahead, so not so much to do."