The high-intensity qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix ended in a shock for all and in controversy for some. Charles Leclerc, the provisional pole sitter, crashed into turn 16 of the circuit with 18 seconds left on the clock. With so little time left, the authorities decided not to restart the session. So, Riccardo Musconi, the race engineer of Valtteri Bottas, had some words to say about the timing of Leclerc’s crash.

Things aren’t that bad for the Finn either, considering he will start the race from P3, behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Bottas would hoping for a good start to boost his chances of winning in the streets of Monte Carlo.

“Leclerc crashed conveniently” message to Valtteri Bottas after the session for red-flagged

After the Monegasque’s crash, the stewards brought out the red flags and ended the session, which means many drivers, including Bottas, weren’t able to run the flying lap they were preparing for.

Read More: WATCH: Charles Leclerc Suffers a Scary Crash During the Italian Grand Prix

After the session ended, Bottas’ race engineer said, “Red flag, red flag, keep the delta positive. So, Leclerc crashed it conveniently, exit of 16. So, he is on pole. Verstappen P2. You are P3.”

The Finn responded, “Well.. it was coming. That was gonna be it. I was so ready.”

His race engineer replied, “Yeah unlucky Valtteri, but great job.”

Bottas disappointed on not getting pole

The Mercedes driver was gutted not starting in P1 for the Monaco Grand Prix, as Leclerc managed to keep his pole even after the crash. He aims to make up the gap to the Ferrari on Sunday’s race.

After the qualifying session, as quoted by PlanetF1, Bottas said, “For me, it’s disappointing I didn’t get my last run because of the red flag but that’s how it is sometimes.

“I kind of left everything out there for the last run. The first run wasn’t really enough for pole but on the second lap, with the preparation lap I did, was feeling quite good, I was quite a bit down on the lap time so I’m gutted,’ Bottas concluded.

With Bottas starting P3 and Leclerc at pole, do you think that the Finn can close the gap to Monégasque? Let us know in the comments below.

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