In an unusual turn of events, Mercedes has become the most unreliable rider on the grid, weighing down Valtteri Bottas in particular. The Finn does not expect any more problems.
In Austin, Valtteri Bottas he was forced to mount the sixth engine of the season in his Mercedes, a fact that in the recent history of Formula 1 we have only seen in cars powered by Honda.
And, although the Finn has been involved in some accidents, the reliability of the German rider is not being that of yesteryear, something mainly caused by the intense dispute for the world title with Red Bull Racing and Honda.
Despite having had to suffer penalties in the last few races, Valtteri Bottas believes that this phase is over and hopes to be able to finish the season without further setbacks. “I really hope we are done (with the penalties). The two good engines I have seem to be fine. We have not detected any problems with them, so I cross my fingers.
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“I think it was a matter of a bit more bad luck, just before installing the engine, it passes all the tests and reliability checks, and in theory they should be fine. But luck has not been on my side, we have had more failures and simply bad luck »Valtteri Bottas reiterates.
The Finn has alternated good performances, including a victory in Turkey, with others less graceful, but it will be vital in the dispute for the Drivers ‘and Constructors’ World Championship, especially if Sergio Pérez maintains his good performance from Austin in the next races.
“I think it will be difficult, without a doubt,” says Bottas in relation to the Mexican Grand Prix. “Red Bull is always good at this circuit and its power unit is usually good at altitude too. I do not expect an easy weekend, but still we will try to obtain more points than them, “he concludes.