Mercedes "sleeping" when Verstappen got ahead - Bottas
Valtteri Bottas says Mercedes was “sleeping at some point” when Max Verstappen managed to get ahead en route to victory in the Formula 1 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Bottas led the early part of the race after starting on pole position, but struggled for pace after switching to the hard compound tyre for the second stint.
Red Bull opted to keep Verstappen out for a long first stint on the hard tyre, during which he was able to match Bottas’ pace despite the Finn having pitted for a fresher set.
It meant that by the time Verstappen took his first pit stop, he emerged just behind Bottas before passing him into Brooklands on his out lap and going on to take a commanding victory.
Bottas ultimately finished the race third on a two-stop strategy after being passed by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton in the closing stages.
"Very frustrating obviously, starting from pole and finishing third is not ideal,” Bottas said after the race.
“I think as a team, we were sleeping at some point when Max managed to get ahead of us, and my strategy was far, far from ideal. So lots to learn from today.
“There was a chance to keep up with Max, but as soon as I started to push towards the end, the tyres just fell apart.
“It was a blistering in the tyres today for us, and [it] seems like Red Bull had none, so they clearly had an edge over them.”
Read Also:
Both Mercedes cars struggled with blistering on the hard compound tyres throughout the race, leaving Bottas and Hamilton unable to match Verstappen’s pace.
Pirelli opted to bring a softer selection of tyres to Silverstone this weekend than at the British Grand Prix, while track temperatures swelled beyond 40ºC in the race.
“The tyres just overheat, so it is basically boiling,” Bottas explained.
“You get holes in the tyre, and then you just lose grip. Once you start to have those blisters in that particular tyre, you just lose cornering grip, and you go slower and slower.
“We'll move on. Of course, a disappointing day, but we move on.”

Previous article
Racing Point reprimanded over use of brake ducts
Next article
Hulkenberg explains reasons for "forced" late pitstop

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Event | 70th Anniversary GP |
Drivers | Valtteri Bottas |
Teams | Mercedes |
Author | Luke Smith |
Mercedes "sleeping" when Verstappen got ahead - Bottas
Why Aston Martin’s arrival is more than just new green livery
In the most eagerly anticipated Formula 1 team launch of the season, the rebranded Aston Martin squad’s changes go much further than the striking paint job. But rather than a restart, the team hopes to build on top of solid foundations.
The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
The team formerly known as Racing Point gambled successfully on a Mercedes look-alike in 2020 as it mounted a strong challenge for third in the constructors' race and won the Sakhir GP. Now clothed in British racing green, Aston Martin's first Formula 1 challenger since 1960 provides the clearest indicator yet of what to expect from the new-for-2021 regulations
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?