Valtteri Bottas suffers brake failure and fire at Austrian Grand Prix

Finnish Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas reported a complete loss of his brake pedal during free practice 3 in Barcelona, forcing him to rely on engine braking and ending the session in the gravel trap. The reliability problems continued at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, where his Cadillac‑powered car caught fire and the brakes failed again after just two laps, resulting in a race‑ending retirement.

Bottas said the incidents were part of a pattern of recurring mechanical failures, including previous brake issues in Monaco and overheating problems in Barcelona. He expressed frustration that the car could not finish races, limiting the team’s ability to develop the package.