Bottas labels surprise Mexico F1 pole “one of my best laps”

Valtteri Bottas has labelled his surprise pole position at the Mexico City Grand Prix as ‘one of the best laps’ of his Formula 1 career.

After trailing Red Bull for most of the weekend, Mercedes rose to the top of the timesheets when it mattered in Q3.

Bottas was the only man to break the 1m15s barrier to claim his third pole position of the season ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Reflecting on qualifying at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Bottas said: “Yes, it was awesome laps, especially my lap in the first run of Q3. I couldn’t quite match the final sector on the last one, but I think honestly that first run in Q3 was one of my best laps. And it’s a good feeling.

“This morning the car was really good. We were lacking a bit of pace on lap one, but I think with the higher temperatures this afternoon it came out way. I think we tried to optimize everything with tyre temperatures and setups.  It was a joy to drive.”

With a long run down to Turn 1 on the opening lap, both Mercedes drivers will be vulnerable to the two Red Bulls behind.

Bottas stressed the need for a good start to avoid being swamped on Lap 1.

“It is a long straight and for sure the cars behind will get a tow will have good opportunities, so we need a good start,” Bottas added.

“At least, as a team, it’s great that we have two cars ahead and, hopefully we try and keep out positions.”

Bottas' best result in Mexico came in 2017 when he finished second behind Max Verstappen.