Valtteri Bottas says his clash with Sebastian Vettel at the start of the French Grand Prix “sums up my season” as he lost further ground in Formula 1’s title fight.
Bottas was hit by Vettel as the leaders rounded the first corner at Paul Ricard and spun, sustaining a puncture in the process, which dropped him to the back of the field.
Bottas continued with floor damage to his W09 and lost further ground with a slow second pit stop, eventually coming home in seventh position in a race won by Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton.
“That was a shame because we had a strong car today as Lewis’ result shows,” he said.
“But my race was lost at Turn 1. I was on the outside going into it and I knew that keeping that line would put me on the inside for Turn 2.
“Then suddenly I got a hit from behind, had a puncture and damaged my floor.
“After that it was difficult as the car was quite damaged and I could feel the lack of rear end.
“I was sliding around and had to do a second pit stop which was unfortunately slow so we lost more time there.
“I guess today was just not my day; in a way it sums up my season so far.”
Bottas has now slipped 53 points behind team-mate Hamilton in the fight for the 2018 crown but insists he will stay positive, adamant that his fortunes will change.
“There are some positives – we were strong as a team, although unfortunately we could not turn that into a perfect points result,” he said.
“I also set the fastest lap of the race despite the condition of the car. I'll keep my head down, work hard and hopefully the luck will turn around at some point – I think it's about time.”
