Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas has said the rain in the latter stages of the Russian GP “saved” his race, as he crossed the line in fifth on Sunday after starting from the back.
The Finn was one of four drivers to be dealt a penalty before the race for engine changes, meaning he started from 16th.
Although he crossed the line in an impressive fifth – given his starting point – he was actually down in 14th before the rain began to pour.
“I asked to stop one lap earlier but the team wasn’t ready so I had to go around one more time but I was still one of the first ones to stop which was good.
“That end situation saved the race for me because progressing through the field for me was really difficult.
“I thought it was going to be better in terms of progressing but for me following other cars in certain corners caused big understeer and that’s why I couldn’t follow and was on the back foot,” said Bottas.
Lewis Hamilton ended up coming home to clinch his 100th win in Formula One after a late decision by McLaren to leave Norris out for the remaining laps on dry tyres.
The young British driver had been leading for most of the race and was looking likely to take the win until a spin on the wet track ended his chances.
Catch up on all the latest news from the weekend here.
