Mercedes Formula 1 boss Toto Wolff says Valterri Bottas’s Brazilian GP pole reflects the fact that the Finn is now getting more out of the W08 after his recent struggles.
Bottas was carrying the hopes of the team after Lewis Hamilton crashed at the start of Q1, relegating the world champion to last on the grid.
In a battle with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel he stole position on his second run, which Mercedes chiefs Wolff and Niki Lauda said was a sign of Bottas overcoming the difficulties this year’s car has caused for him.
“We knew that if you lose one of your two it’s going to be very difficult to beat Vettel,” said Wolff.
“Valtteri just managed to extract everything of the car in that last lap. It was very close.
“He was on an upward slope in the last races, but this weekend was very good – every session he was competitive.
“For me, it’s a positive indication that he is understanding the car better and is on the right trajectory.
“The car is very sensitive and the tyre is very sensitive, and you can see that with other teams as well – little steps can throw you off the grip curve.
“He’s putting the dots together and this has eventually led to better performance.”
Mercedes F1 non-executive chairman Lauda believes that the nature of the team’s 2017 car has “handicapped” Bottas at times this year.
“Valtteri has proven what I’ve always known – that he’s bloody quick,” Lauda told Autosport.
“We handicapped him with the behaviour of the car, over the last couple of races, which does not help a driver.
“Therefore it’s very important here that he has confidence in the car, the car is right for him, and he has pole position. It’s fantastic.
“He was the whole weekend quick, which means the car is to his liking, and his driving style, and he made the best out of it.”
Regarding Hamilton’s crash he said: “Things can happen, you do mistakes, this is normal.
“But now we have an exciting race for him, starting last. He’s world champion, everything is fine, and that’s it.
“He’ll have some fun tomorrow – we all will have fun tomorrow.”