Valtteri Bottas Takes a Swipe at Red Bull F1 Over Engine Mode Ban

Mercedes continued its domination in Formula 1, successfully clinching the first two positions in Monza. The win is emphatic, considering the ban on the use of various engine modes.

Fans anticipated a huge struggle as far as the Brackley-based outfit is concerned. However, shattering all doubts, the Silver Arrows continued to rule the tracks. Lewis Hamilton occupied the top sport while Valtteri Bottas clinched the second.

However, their Milton-Keynes based outfit that was billed for success faltered in finding its way to the top. Red Bull was the closest contender, giving Mercedes a run for their money. The implementation of the new regulation which prevents teams to use multiple engine modes turned the tables on Red Bull.

Max Verstappen has been prolific this season, specifically in going neck to neck with the two Mercedes racers. However, the ban on the engine modes saw Max qualifying 5th while Alexander Albon etched a Top-10 finish with a P9.

Bottas was analytical enough to understand the scenario and predicted an unhappy Red Bull pit-stop following the regulation change.

“I’m not sure how happy Red Bull is now with this engine change,” Bottas said.

Speaking about Mercedes’ staggering form, Bottas seemed confident as far as his own form was concerned. Significantly mentioning that Mercedes looks strong even with the change in regulations.

“The pace I had in the long runs and we had as a team, we’re looking strong. With the engine regulation change for the modes, it’s going to be even better for us in the race than before. Hopefully, it will be good.”

Red Bull and Mercedes waiting for the verdict

Having seen the qualifiers, it is safe to state that even with a single-engine mode, Mercedes is way ahead in terms of performance. Red Bull were billed to inch closer and bridge the gap, but the qualifiers narrated an entirely different story.

The main race on Sunday will reveal whether Mercedes falters or not. It would also expose how Red Bull fares with the new regulations. All eyes on Monza now, to see whether Hamilton extends his lead or lets Max take the crown.