F1 News
Bottas describes pit lane spin as 'a normal mistake'
- Cameron Smith
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has described his spin in the pit lane during FP2 as a "normal mistake". The incident occurred late into the second free practice session for the Styrian Grand Prix, and saw Bottas press the accelerator too hard, and spin when exiting his pit box. He was trying to lay down some rubber to ensure he and Lewis Hamilton would be able to get out quicker on Sunday.
The incident almost resulted in Bottas spinning his W12 into McLaren pit crew members, but fortunately nobody was hurt. Speaking to Sky Sports F1 after FP2, Bottas said: "I spun. We tried something different getting out from the box and it was... some variables from what we normally do with the wheelspin. So, that is why I spun."
When asked if he thought a punishment would be coming his way, Bottas responded by saying: "I would be surprised if there is... it's a normal mistake and can happen.
Down in P12
Even disregarding his spin in the pt lane, Bottas endured a fairly difficult FP2, only finishing with the 12th best time on the grid. His teammate Lewis Hamilton was in P4, but Bottas explained his reasonings for the disparity. "I just had one run with low fuel and that was messy so the laptime board is not being amazing but the topic for today is finding the long run performance that we prioritized.
"With Lewis we are in different set ups so we will look for the best bits."
The Finnish driver will need to find some time overnight, or he may lose further ground in the Drivers' Championship.