Kalema Lawrence
Valtteri Bottas, a recent Mercedes signing this season to replace retired reigning Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, defied odds to really deliver really good result in the Sochi race by finishing first.
The driver who would have been on pole position, made a strong start, a great slipstream move past Sebastian Vettel on the run down to Turn 2, and then an even better restart after the safety car went back to the pits at the start of the third lap to win the race.
Star Lewis Hamilton of the same team as Valtteri who said he was mystified by his lack of pace in the Grand Prix, finished fourth in the race but congratulated the winner for the victory.
“Big congratulations to Valtteri. Fantastic job and he deserves the win. He has been fast all weekend….he has settled in to the team really well, so for him to get his first win is great for everybody.”
“For me, just a very, very odd weekend. I am just hopeful in the next races I will be able to pick up the pace.” He added on consoling himself for the poor performance.
Valtteri’s win ensured the damage to Hamilton in the championship was limited as much as possible as he now leads by 13 points.
