The Eifel Grand Prix was a race to forget for Valtteri Bottas, with the Finn losing his lead to Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton early in the race and subsequently retiring due to a mechanical failure.
And, with Hamilton going on to win the grand prix, Bottas now has a 69-point deficit to the Brit in the Championship.
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Speaking after the race, Bottas said the outcome was “very disappointing” and the Finn admitted that Hamilton now has a near-insurmountable lead in the Championship.
“It’s disappointing, of course, very disappointing, and one of these things that you can’t do anything for,” Bottas said.
“Obviously I did have the lock-up before that. I think still I had all the chance for the win because that made me commit to a two-stop quite early, and I think a two-stop at the end was the best strategy.
“I knew there was all to play for, even after that lock-up in the drizzle. Then the engine thing, I couldn’t believe it,” he added.
“Now I understand the gap to Lewis is pretty big in terms of points. Definitely would need a miracle.
“But as always, [there is] no point to give up. You need to keep the bar high and keep trying. We’ll see. Disappointed is the best word.”
Max Verstappen is now just 14 points behind Valtteri Bottas, so although it’s still possible for the Finn to challenge Hamilton for the title, his focus is now likely to be on cementing second in the Drivers’ Standings.
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