Valtteri Bottas drove the entire race at Silverstone second a few seconds behind Lewis Hamilton, but three laps before the finish, the Finn’s front left tire collapsed. The Mercedes driver drove to the pits, made a pit stop and finished 11th. In the individual standings, his gap from Lewis Hamilton has grown to 30 points.
Valtteri Bottas: “Of course, I am very disappointed. I was very unlucky that the puncture occurred at the beginning of the circle. I had to go a whole circle slowly to the pits. We knew that we had to drive a long section on the Hard tires – this was done in order to put pressure on Lewis.
The tire vibrated first, I reported this to the team. I kept in mind that problems might begin, so I tried to control the condition of the rubber. It’s a pity that it did happen. Everything happened unexpectedly, I did not expect such a development of events. I have nothing more to add.
Anyone could have tire problems next week due to hotter weather. Considering that we will get softer compositions, it will not be possible to drive the race with one pit stop. I am sure we will draw conclusions from the past weekend. I have no choice but to move on. “
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