Austria – Top 3 reactions: a lot of pressure throughout the race “for Bottas!

Like last year in Melbourne, Valtteri Bottas won the first race of the season, held this Sunday on Austria's Red Bull Ring track. The Finn claimed the 8th victory of his career at the end of a crazy scenario, which also rewarded Charles Leclerc, who finished second, and Lando Norris, third!

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Valtteri Bottas (1st)

Valtteri Bottas is therefore the first winner of this 2020 season!

At the end of a wild race, the Finn claimed his 8th career victory this Sunday, his second at the Red Bull Ring after his 2017 win. After a very good start, two seconds ahead on the first lap over Max Verstappen before his retirement, the Finn quickly pulled away from the rest of the pack.

Caught up later by Lewis Hamilton and threatened by three Safety Car interventions, Valtteri Bottas did not crack until the checkered flag.

« There was a lot of pressure throughout this race » nevertheless stressed Bottas as he got out of the car, speaking to Jenson Button.

« Lewis had a lot of opportunities, but I managed to handle everything. There’s no better way to start the season! » exclaimed the first winner of the season, who received their trophy directly on the track, mask on face.

Alerted on the 47th lap via his radio of a “critical” problem with his gearbox, Bottas emphasized that he had to manage the car a lot and avoid riding the curbs.

“I’m happy that both cars finished,” exclaimed the winner of the day, even if Bottas indirectly slowed down Hamilton at the end, with the six-time world champion even dropping from 2nd to 4th place at the finish. The Briton received a 5-second penalty, following his collision with Albon on the 62nd lap, after the last restart.

Even though he didn’t secure the point for the fastest lap, Valtteri Bottas is the first leader of the 2020 World Drivers’ Championship, with 25 points on the board!

« Lewis had many opportunities, but I managed to handle everything »

Charles Leclerc (2nd)

A spectacular comeback from the Monegasque driver! From 7th place on the grid, Leclerc was patient.

First battling with Sainz, Leclerc overtook Norris on the 64th lap, then Racing Point’s Pérez on the 66th lap, diving on the inside with a forceful pass at the second corner, at the end of the uphill straight.

« I did not expect it at all. It is a huge but good surprise » reacted Leclerc at the finish about his 2nd place.

We did everything to perfection today. I had to be aggressive with the Safety Car, I saw some opportunities. I had to rely on some mistakes.

« We had a bit of luck, but that was the goal, to seize every opportunity. We knew we didn’t have the pace to finish here (editor’s note: on the podium). I’m satisfied, there is still a lot of work to be done. We need to maintain our mindset! » concluded Leclerc, far from imagining a podium on Saturday afternoon after the disappointment of qualifying. The SF 1000 remains a car with problems, but Leclerc at least maximized his first Sunday of the season!

« We had a bit of luck, but that was the goal, to seize every opportunity. »

Lando Norris (3rd)

From the height of his 20 years, the youngest of McLaren also impressed everyone! Starting 3rd, remaining calm during the first part of the race, Norris pitted during the second Safety Car on lap 51 to put on new medium tires.

Good pick: Norris moved up to 4th after a bold overtake on Pérez under braking at the second corner, an action that could have resulted in a penalty. “There were a few points where I thought I might miss out. When I passed Checo, I knew he had a penalty,” Norris pointed out, as Pérez had already received a 5-second penalty to his race time for speeding in the pit lane.

The driver #4 finally took advantage of another penalty, the one given to Hamilton, to step onto the podium, which he clinched by less than two tenths!

« The last laps were really very nice, I can say that I am speechless. Considering where we were, it’s a real achievement. I am so happy and so proud of the team!

Translator: »

The McLaren driver makes history by becoming the youngest Briton to secure a podium in Formula 1.

Dislodging from the records a certain… Lewis Hamilton, who stood on the podium in his first race for McLaren in 2017 at the age of 22. Facing financial difficulties, the Woking team takes a new hit, seven months after Sainz’s 3rd place at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix!

The last laps were really very nice, I can say that I am speechless!

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