VALTTERI BOTTAS claimed his first Formula One win Sunday after holding off a late charge from Sebastian Vettel at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi.

Mercedes driver Bottas, who started third but slipstreamed into the lead off the start, finished 0.6 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Vettel. Kimi Raikkonen took third in the second Ferrari, 10.3 seconds further back.

“Took quite a while, more than 80 races,” said Bottas.

The 27-year-old Finn joined Mercedes after last year’s champion, Nico Rosberg, announced his retirement.

Vettel, who had started on pole, hunted Bottas down in the latter part of the race. However, he was left fuming after his hopes of passing the Finn on the last lap were dashed by having to lap the Williams of Felipe Massa. “What was that?” Vettel asked over the team radio in frustration that Massa hadn’t moved out of his way swiftly enough, though the German was in conciliatory mood afterward.

“It doesn’t matter,” Vettel said of the incident with Massa. “This is the man of the race today, big congrats to Valtteri.”

Vettel’s second place meant the German extended his lead to 13 points over Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who trailed in fourth after suffering overheating trouble. It was a lonely race for the Briton, who had large gaps with Raikkonen ahead and Max Verstappen behind.

(SD-Agencies)