Valtteri Bottas: “I think the winning strategy was two stops”

© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.

Valtteri Bottas was frustrated with Mercedes’ call to leave him on worn down hard tyres until the end of the French Grand Prix, which was evident from his in-race team radio message.

When Red Bull decided to stop Max Verstappen for the second time to get fresh medium tyres, it was up to Mercedes to decide whether to stop their drivers of leave them on worn down hard tyres until the end of the race.

The team chose to do the latter, which ultimately led to Verstappen overtaking both Bottas and Hamilton. Perez, who was on a one-stop strategy, but stopped much later than Valtteri, also overtook the Finn.

Bottas was frustrated with Mercedes’ decision, which was evident from his in-race team radio message.

“Why the f**k does nobody listen to me when I say it’s going to be a two-stopper? F**king hell,” screamed the Finn.

After the race, Valtteri said he believes a one-stop strategy was a mistake.

“I think the winning strategy was two stops. It’s easy to say afterwards but that’s how it is. As a team, we were too focused on completing the one-stop thinking it’s the best but it wasn’t.

“If I did a two-stop, I would have been on the podium and fighting for the win, that’s for sure.”


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Bottas then explained what happened in the closing stages of the race, when he lost to positions.

“I had no front tyres left for the last 15 laps so I just had to try to get the car home. It was not fun today, the last stint. You feel like a sitting duck.

“Of course, I tried everything I could, tried to finish on the podium but the tyres were completely gone, so no chance.”

The Finn also explained his frustrated radio message.

“I was making it very clear what I was thinking. I suggested a two-stop earlier in the race and the team decided to go for one-stop.”

After the race Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff explained it was nice to hear Bottas showing some fire.

“I find it great,” the Austrian said.

“Finally he starts to criticise! He’s finally letting it out and it’s a joy to watch!”

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