Victory was "worth the wait" for Bottas

  • Published on 30 Apr 2017 16:17
  • comments 1
  • By: Fergal Walsh

Valtteri Bottas won his first Grand Prix in Formula 1 earlier today, holding off four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to cross the line half a second ahead of the German.

Bottas jumped off the grid well and slotted into the slipstream of Sebastian Vettel, before pulling out and taking the lead before turn two.  The Finn then controlled the pace for much of the race before coming under pressure near the end.

However, the Finn held on despite his mirrors being filled with the red of Ferrari and becomes the fifth driver from Finland to take a victory in Formula 1. Despite it taking many attempts, Bottas feels the wait has been worth it.

"It's amazing, it took quite a while, more than 80 races for me but definitely worth the wait, definitely worth the learning curve," said Bottas.

"This strange opportunity came to me in the winter to join this team and they made it possible today, so I really want to thanks to the team, without them it wouldn't be possible, it feels amazing.

"We've had a tricky beginning of the year, the fight with Ferrari again today was very close, we managed to be on top; we need to keep pushing [but] I'm very happy now."

 

Fergal Walsh

 

Happy for him, maybe we have a 3rd contender for the championship

  • 1
  • Apr 30 2017 - 18:19

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  • Happy for him, maybe we have a 3rd contender for the championship

    • + 1
    • Apr 30 2017 - 18:19

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Driver profile

  • Team Mercedes
  • Points 1,608
  • Podiums 61
  • Grand Prix 209
  • Country FI
  • Date of b. Aug 28 1989 (35)
  • Place of b. Nastola, FI
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.73 m
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