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Valtteri Bottas was delighted to reach Q3 during Qualifying for the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix despite Sauber’s pace arriving at the eleventh hour.
Valtteri Bottas qualified in ninth place, showcasing Sauber’s renewed competitiveness following Zhou Guanyu’s strong eighth-place finish at the Qatar Grand Prix. Bottas expressed satisfaction over the radio, noting his position ahead of Sergio Perez’s Red Bull. He has struggled to score points this season, with his best finish being 11th place in a challenging term for Sauber. Despite this, Bottas sees his final race with Sauber as an opportunity to score points. He praised the recent car upgrades that have given him confidence and improved performance, acknowledging the team’s efforts. Bottas reflected on his mixed emotions heading into what may be his last race, appreciating his successful F1 career but also feeling the uncertainty of the future.