Valtteri Bottas: “I managed to dodge many bullets” – Formula 1

You led each of the 71 laps but it was not an easy victory so far …
Valtteri Bottas: Winning a Formula 1 Grand Prix is ​​never easy. During the first stint, Lewis (Hamilton) lost a little time by overtaking the Red Bulls, so I had a good margin. The first stint was not that difficult, suddenly, because I had a good gap. So I could really control. I tried to take care of the tires and the car. During the second stint, there was never a lot of pressure because I was in front and I could make sure that we could hold out until the end. But there were a lot of variables in this race. We had problems with some sensors damaged by the passages on the vibrators, so I had to avoid them. It cost me quite a bit of time. And when you are in the lead and there is safety car after safety car … At the last, I said to myself: go …, because you just want things to go smoothly. I managed to dodge many balls today and win.

Were the spectators missed?
During the race, I don’t really see them. I’m so focused on it. So it didn’t really make a difference. But I must say that what I really appreciate in normal F1 is before the race, when we do the drivers’ parade, that we see the support of everyone, the spectators, the fans, the flags of the different countries . It really creates a good atmosphere. Also after the race, if you have a good result like today, it’s nice to share it in this atmosphere which, for sure, we miss a little now, and to party with the spectators. But I know there are a lot of loyal fans watching me at home and the people who are most important to me, like my family, who look at me, support me and live in the moment with me. It’s like that. It is better to run than not to run at all. I am sure we are still bringing happiness to many people who can watch the race. (…) I must say that the International Automobile Federation (FIA), the FOM (the championship promoter, editor’s note) and F1 did a very good job in putting everything in place. We are well protected, it is well organized, fairly clear. We all think the risk of someone getting sick is minimal.

We have seen on social networks that you now eat pancakes on Sunday morning rather than porridge, your secret weapon last year. It seems to work all the same …
The porridge is hidden in the pancakes! (laughs) I always use this power but in a different way. My girlfriend always does it on Sunday. We use oats, so it’s a kind of porridge. In addition, I ate a little porridge before the race. It’s the best. Full of power.