Bottas crashes heavily in Mexican GP

Finnish driver of Mercedes Valtteri Bottas crashed heavily at the Mexican Grand Prix on Saturday.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen took a stunning pole position ahead of the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel, reported British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

Verstappen beat Leclerc by 0.266 seconds as Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas crashed trying to improve on his sixth place.

There are questions, however, as to whether Verstappen slowed sufficiently for Bottas' crash - and he will visit race stewards for a decision on whether he will be penalized, said the BBC report.

Bottas crashed as he got wide out of the final corner trying to make up time, sliding into the barriers and causing considerable damage to his car.

Talking to a radio, he, however, said that he was OK, although he was heard breathing heavily afterwards.

He was taken to the hospital for a precautionary check-up and was given the all clear.

It is a blow for the Finn as he tries to prevent Hamilton putting the championship out of reach. But starting fourth it is still a big task for Hamilton to make as much of a gain on Bottas as he needs to clinch his sixth title.

Hamilton needs to finish on the podium at least and hope Bottas' results go his way.

Bottas' crash could lead to further problems for the Finn. If his gearbox needs to be replaced, as seems likely, that would mean a five-place grid penalty. And if there are major changes to the car specification, he could even have to start from the pit lane, the BBC report added

Click BBC to read the detail original report.