Bottas' car 'extensively damaged' after heavy Q3 shunt

Mercedes has reported Valtteri Bottas' car is extensively damaged after he crashed heavily at the end of qualifying at the Mexican Grand Prix, raising the prospect he could start the race from the pit-lane.

Bottas lost control of his car at the final corner of Q3, sliding along the wall and hitting the barrier at speed. The accident left the left-hand side of his car badly damaged.

After the accident, the team confirmed the damage is severe and that is is assessing exactly what work needs to be completed ahead of the race. A change of chassis would prompt a pit-lane start on a weekend Bottas must avoid a 14-point swing against Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton if he wants to take the title…