Mercedes believe Bottas start down to poor grip

Mercedes believes that Valtteri Bottas' poor start at the Spanish Grand Prix was down to "poor grip" from the pole position grid slot.

It was the second time in three races in which Bottas has lost the lead of the race to his teammate Lewis Hamilton off the start.

The Finn pointed to an unusual feeling clutch as the reason why he was overtaken into turn one, but Mercedes isn't sure that is the explanation.

"We believe it was just a lack of grip on the pole position side," Mercedes sporting director Ron Meadows said in the team's Spanish Grand Prix debrief video.

Trackside engineering director, Andrew Shovlin did however say the team would be thoroughly investigating the car back at the factory to understand if there was indeed any issues relating to the clutch.