Valtteri Bottas, a Finnish driver competing for Sauber, has received a penalty that will force him to start at the back of the grid in the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix Sprint on Saturday. This penalty comes as a result of a collision with Oscar Piastri during the Sprint Qualifying session. Bottas, who initially qualified in 18th position, was caught off guard when Piastri’s McLaren entered Turn 1 of the Miami International Autodrome circuit. Bottas tried to close the door on Piastri’s car at the last moment, resulting in contact between the two vehicles. Fortunately, there were no significant damages as a result of the incident. The Stewards, responsible for overseeing the race, determined that the primary responsibility to avoid such incidents lies with the driver. They also acknowledged that Bottas was driving slowly on the racing line, which contributed to the situation. Bottas, who is working with a new engineer for this race, expressed his frustration with the incident to his team over the radio. The Stewards also recognized that Sauber, Bottas’ team, played a role in the incident and made an error that significantly contributed to the collision. Both drivers involved in the incident were dissatisfied with what happened.
Bottas appears to be on the verge of being released from the Sauber team next year as it prepares for a full acquisition by the German automotive giant Audi. The team has already secured Nico Hülkenberg for 2025 and beyond, leaving an open spot for drivers like Carlos Sainz or Esteban Ocon. Bottas seemed unfazed by the announcement during Thursday’s press conference, stating, “He is German, and Audi has made it clear they want a German driver, so it’s all good.”
It is worth noting that the recent incident of Bottas during the Qualifying Sprint coincides with the introduction of a new engineer, a change that was not under his control. Bottas expressed his thoughts on the matter, saying: “It was quite sudden. Obviously, it’s a Sprint weekend, so working with a new person won’t be easy, but I will do my best to make the most of it.” Throughout 2024, Bottas has faced persistent issues with Sauber, from slow pit stops to reliability problems that have cost him valuable points in several Grand Prix races. The next race in Miami is expected to present additional challenges for him.
Reflecting on the events of the day, Bottas described it as a challenging day at the office. He mentioned being stuck in traffic during his fast lap and going off track after a close encounter with a McLaren car, which affected the temperature of his tires. Despite less than ideal starting positions for the Sprint race, Bottas remains optimistic, stating that there is still much to learn about the car and they can work towards a better performance in Sunday’s main event.
Time is running out for Bottas to achieve the necessary results that would make him an attractive prospect for other teams in a highly volatile driver market. However, with Sauber’s difficulties, it is becoming increasingly challenging for him to showcase his skills.
2024
Soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo signs contract with new club
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the biggest stars in world soccer, has just signed a transfer contract with his new club. After a long negotiation, the player has finally reached an agreement and is ready to start a new phase in his career.
The news of Ronaldo’s transfer to the new club caused great excitement among fans and sports experts. At 39 years old, the player continues to demonstrate exceptional performance on the field, making him one of the most coveted athletes in the world.
With this new change, Cristiano Ronaldo will have the opportunity to showcase all his talent and skill in a new environment. The expectation is that the player will continue to shine and win titles, as he has done throughout his career.
Furthermore, Ronaldo’s transfer also brings financial benefits to the club. The arrival of the football star increases visibility and fans’ interest, which could result in a significant increase in the club’s revenues.
Now, fans eagerly await Cristiano Ronaldo’s debut for the new club. It will be exciting to see the player in action again and closely follow his journey with this new team. Certainly, many emotions and achievements are yet to come.
