Raikkonen blames Bottas for first lap collision

Kimi Raikkonen clearly laid the blame on Valtteri Bottas for the pair's opening lap in Sunday's Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Ferrari caught up with his countryman who was slow out of the first corner and attempted a pass on the outside of Turn 2. But Bottas held the inside line, running over the kerb which sent him into Raikkonen.

The Ferrari hit the wall and dropped down the order, but was ultimately sidelined after debris on the track inflicted damage to his car.

"He [Bottas] braked very early, again – and I think he knows it was way too early braking – and I went just outside and it was fine, and suddenly I got hit from the other side," explained Raikkonen.

"So I think he noticed he braked too early and just let the brakes go, and came way too fast into me. It was completely his fault, but obviously I paid the price.

Team Talk - Sunday in Baku

It wasn't the first on-track encounter for the Finnish pair which has clashed on several occasions previously.

"You know, it's a bit of a shame it's again me and Kimi, but we've been fighting for similar positions and it's just unlucky that it's us again," Bottas responded.

"For me I was on the inside, I thought I had the corner, there should have been space for two cars to go around.

"So yeah, just went over the kerb, bottomed out, the car jumped and hit him and I got a puncture."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.