“Red Bull was too quick today, surprisingly quick” – Valtteri Bottas was not expecting Max Verstappen to be that dominant as he won the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen won a dull season-finale at Abu Dhabi, joined by Mercedes duo Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton on the podium. The Red Bull driver led the race from start to finish, without being troubled at all. Speaking after the race to Sky F1, Bottas expressed surprise at the pace Red Bull carried.
“Yeah I think Red Bull was too quick today, surprisingly quick.”
“We thought race pace would be pretty identical but they could really control the race and build the gap when needed. So I was trying everything I could but couldn’t keep up.”
Bottas expressed satisfaction at how his race went, as he managed to keep ahead of Hamilton, a rarity this season. These two are expected to line-up for Mercedes again next season after Toto Wolff confirmed George Russell will remain at Williams.
“I feel like it was a solid race from my side, no mistakes, and I felt like we couldn’t get more out of the package today, so in that sense a good race. I finished ahead of my team-mate, it’s been a while since I’ve been on a podium so that’s nice even though there isn’t champagne there.”
“The team, like I said on the radio has been amazing this year, so I’m really proud that we got P1 and P2 in the Drivers’ Championship.”
Christmas family time for Valtteri Bottas
The Finn revealed he has some commitments before he heads out to meet his family for Christmas. Formula 1 drivers generally stay away from their families for a sustained period of time. After the festivities, Bottas will join the Mercedes crew for the winter testing.
“I think still some commitments next week, but for sure some time off for Christmas. Hopefully can see the family, it’s been a while. I can’t remember when was the last time I saw them. Quick reset, quick training block, and then start again from zero, try to do a bit better.”
