F1 News
Bottas explains crash: "I was pushing hard to get past Stroll"
Valtteri Bottas made a crucial error during the German Grand Prix which ended his day. In the closing stages of the race, just as the track was drying out, Bottas found himself on the wet stuff and he lost his grip. His Mercedes car flew into the wall.
Lewis Hamilton also came off the track a couple of times. His first moment caused the Formula 1 world championship leader to lose his front wing. He was forced to pit and the Mercedes pit crew were unprepared for his arrival.
In what was a gloomy day for Mercedes, Bottas recorded a DNF as a result of his crash. Hamilton finished outside of the top 10 but was lifted to P9 after two Alfa Romeo penalties. Bottas tries to explain why he crashed.
"It's a shame because today was a good opportunity for me to make up some points to Lewis and it was my own fault that I ended up not getting any points at all in the end," Bottas said.
"I had a good shot to get a podium and I was pushing hard to get past Stroll. I was quite close to the limit in Turn 1, then I suddenly lost the rear and just went off; I don't think there was any time to catch the car. It's very disappointing for the entire team, but we'll give it everything to come back stronger in Hungary."