Bottas expects “maximum points” in Monza F1 sprint

The Finn pipped Hamilton to the fastest time in qualifying by just 0.096s to seal pole position for Saturday’s sprint race that will determine the grid for the Italian Grand Prix.

Bottas was delighted with his lap as he set the pace in Q3 for the first time since the Portuguese Grand Prix in May.

"That qualifying lap was nice,” Bottas said. “It feels so good when you get a nice lap.

“I managed to save it to the end, happy to finally get a tow, so it was good fun and I enjoyed it.”

The performance came days after Mercedes announced that Bottas will be replaced by George Russell as Hamilton’s teammate from next season.

Bottas will subsequently move to Alfa Romeo for 2022, replacing the retiring Kimi Raikkonen.

“I feel good, I feel relaxed, everything is sorted for the future and I’m obviously very pleased for the team today and the car is feeling so good,” Bottas added.

“And obviously further on, next year there will be new and exciting things for me. But for now I’m focused on tomorrow’s Sprint Race.

“I’m starting from the front, expecting to get maximum points tomorrow and then do the best job we can on Sunday. The weekend has started nicely and I’m happy.”

However, Bottas will start Sunday’s Italian GP from the back of the grid after moving onto his fourth power unit of the season.