Daniil Kvyat felt a podium finish was his for the taking in Mexico until the intervention of the safety car left him vulnerable to attack from Valtteri Bottas, with the Russian driver being forced to settle for fourth as a result.
The Infiniti Red Bull Racing driver had made a good start to move into third, and was on course for his second visit to the podium this season, but was unable to keep the Williams Martini Racing driver behind him on the restart, and was unable to fight back thereafter.
“As a team I think today we did a perfect job, scoring solid points from a solid race,” said Kvyat. “The podium was very close and we were fighting until the end, but on the restart after the safety car we didn’t have enough pace on the straight and Williams went full bananas, so Bottas passed me quite easily.
“It was a shame about not getting on the podium, I thought we had it and we deserved it today, and maybe without the safety car we would have, but that’s racing and we have to accept it. The race was still fantastic though; good racing, good controlled laps and I’m happy with how all 71 laps went.
“We’ve been very strong this weekend and the track has suited us quite well. I think this weekend showed we can be champions if we get back on the path. I believe in this team, I believe in us and I believe in our future.”
