Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas claimed his second Formula 1 victory of the season in the Austrian Grand Prix, fending off a late charge from Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel.
Finn Bottas started from pole at the Red Bull Ring and got a jump on his rivals with what he called “the start of his life”.
Rivals Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull) both thought he jumped the start, but the stewards ruled Bottas’ start, in which he reacted 0.201sec after the lights went out, to be legal.
Bottas led Vettel for much of the race, but the German closed the gap late on and finished just 0.658sec behind. The win keeps Bottas third in the championship standings, behind team-mate Lewis Hamilton and 35 points adrift of leader Vettel.
“It’s important in the championship to get closer to the guys in front, so it feels good,” said Bottas. “We had a strong car today and it was like the perfect weekend for me: pole position and a win.”
Despite finishing second, Vettel still extended his title lead over Hamilton. The Brit started eighth on the grid after a five-place penalty for a gearbox change. He battled through the order, but failed to overhaul Ricciardo for the final podium spot, finishing fourth.
Join the debate
Add your comment
It's like Corbyn on Wheels
Exciting race,