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Mercedes engine problems again: Bottas drove with old engine
Valtteri Bottas was very disappointing in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing down in P6, behind Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz. The Mercedes driver was around six tenths slower than Lewis Hamilton and was almost a full second behind Max Verstappen's pole-setting time. Meanwhile, a possible explanation for this striking fact has been found.
Indeed, Bottas told Sky Italia and others that he was forced to start qualifying with an older power unit. "We switched to an older power unit for today. I knew it would cost me at least two tenths compared to yesterday."
Toto Wolff hinted on the onboard radio that there wasn't a whole lot more in it for Bottas either. It remains to be seen what the Finn can do in Sunday's race, but it appears he may be of little help to teammate Lewis Hamilton in the battle for the world title.
The radio message for Bottas from Toto Wolff: "Valtteri, you're doing a super job, considering the engine. Super job." pic.twitter.com/r7HeWtLPNx
— lola (@lewisxlola) December 11, 2021
| Bottas was forced to change to an old power unit for qualifying, which somewhat explains his qualifying struggles.
— formularacers (@formularacers_) December 11, 2021
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