After engine problems Bottas sees "perfect result" for Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas' car was in bits just minutes before the start of qualifying in Saudi Arabia. His Mercedes engine had a problem after the third free practice session, and the team needed to change the power unit entirely.

Mechanics from Hamilton's side of the garage joined Bottas' team to work on the problem caused by a fuel leak. In the end, Bottas made it out of the garage in time for the green light at the start of Q1. But the Finn reported an engine issue towards the end of that session.

Bottas said his engine misfired and he actually stopped at the end of the pitlane. He required his team to push him to his place in the pits. It's possible that the car ran out of fuel. Still, Bottas got back out for Q2 and then went on to take a place on the front-row of the grid after Max Verstappen crashed. In a conversation with Sky Sports, Bottas summarises his Saturday evening.

"I'm pleased how it turned out. The last lap was a nice one, a perfect result for us as a team so that is good. Not the smoothest but glad how it ended up. It's about fine margins, and if Max finishes his lap he'd be in P1. It's intense but I'm enjoying it," Bottas said.