The last time Valtteri Bottas did not make it into the top 10 during the qualifications of a Grand Prix was in 2016, in Abu Dhabi, when he was with Williams. He had set the 11th fastest time in the qualifications.
So, it has been 5 full seasons and two Grand Prix in 2022 that the Finnish driver has consistently made it to the top 10 in every qualifying session! This sets a record of 103 consecutive top 10 finishes in qualifying.
On Laurent Dupin’s microphone on Canal+, the Finn was able to share his feelings about this record.
« It’s not bad finally to see that it’s the 103rd time I’m in Q3. It’s a shame that it’s ending, but that’s how it is. It’s a strange feeling not to be there today. »
Aged 32, if Bottas wants to improve this record, he will now have to wait until at least the age of 37. He will indeed have to finish in the top 10 at every Grand Prix until at least mid-season 2026!
Note that this new format of Q1, Q2, Q3 was implemented during the 2006 season.
