F1 | Mercedes, Bottas: “The slipstream will be fundamental in the fight for pole position”

from Monza, Italy

Fourth position for Valtteri Bottas after the first day of free practice in Monza. The Finn finished three tenths behind Leclerc, and the Mercedes seemed in better shape on the long straights of the Brianza track compared to Spa. However, to draw any conclusions, as always, we want to wait at least for FP3, which is certainly more indicative given the rain today.

“The first session was chaotic, we didn't manage to finish the planned program, but it was like that for everyone – Bottas said. It rained in different areas of the track at equally different times, and this did not allow us to obtain certain information on the tires and behavior of the car, even if the feeling was not bad at all. In the long runs we went well, this is promising for Sunday. However, there is still room for improvement before qualifying and we need to find the perfect set-up for our package, as well as a good track on the straight: it will be fundamental if we want to fight for pole."