2017 Russian Grand Prix Results – Bottas Takes Maiden Victory

Mercedes continued their winning ways in Russia, winning the 4th edition of the race with a new face in victory circle – Valtteri Bottas.

The battle lines have been drawn for the 2017 Formula One world championship, with Scuderia Ferrari taking the step forward to battle with Mercedes for the top spot. The Scuderia drew first blood on Saturday, locking up the front row for the first time since 2008. However, Mercedes conquered the red dragons, with Valtteri Bottas earning his first career F1 victory.

Bottas, in his first year with the silver arrows, charged to the front of the pack from third on the opening lap, passing Vettel for the lead by turn 2. Meanwhile, carnage occurred behind them, with Romain Grosjean and Jolyon Palmer crashing hard. This would lead to the sole safety car period of the race, but not the race’s only retirements.

Car reliability was a major issue throughout the race on the streets of Sochi, with many drivers complaining of issues. Fernando Alonso’s issues began before the race even started, with his McLaren-Honda not starting the Russian GP. Next up was Daniel Ricciardo, who suffered a rear brake failure after it caught on fire. Even Lewis Hamilton was not immune, complaining about overheating problems.

At the end of the day, the race came down to a strategy move by Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari. Staying out longer than anyone else before pitting, Vettel gambled on the idea that newer tires would allow him to chase down Valtteri Bottas. The plan worked out, as Vettel ran right up behind Bottas by the final lap. However, he was never able to pass him. Valtteri Bottas would go on to win his first career F1 grand prix.

With Bottas winning, Ferrari locked up second and third with Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen. Lewis Hamilton came home fourth with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in fifth.

Here are the full results from the Russian Grand Prix:

1. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, Mercedes AMG Petronas
2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, Scuderia Ferrari
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, Scuderia Ferrari
4. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Mercedes AMG Petronas
5. Max Verstappen, Tag Heuer, Red Bull Racing
6. Sergio Perez, Mercedes, Force India
7. Esteban Ocon, Mercedes, Force India
8. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault, Renault Sport
9. Felipe Massa, Mercedes, Williams Martini Racing
10. Carlos Sainz Jr., Renault, Scuderia Toro Rosso
11. Lance Stroll, Mercedes, Williams Martini Racing
12. Daniil Kvyat, Renault, Scuderia Toro Rosso
13. Kevin Magnussen, Ferrari, Haas F1
14. Stoffel Vandoorne, Honda, McLaren
15. Marcus Ericsson, Ferrari, Sauber
16. Pascal Wehrlein, Ferrari, Sauber
17. Daniel Ricciardo, Tag Heuer, Red Bull Racing
18. Fernando Alonso, Honda, McLaren
19. Jolyon Palmer, Renault, Renault Sport
20. Romain Grosjean, Ferrari, Haas F1

Related Story: RaceDay Rewind - 2014 Russian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel will maintain control of the championship as the European section of the schedule kicks off in two weeks. It all begins with the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday, May 14, with the race live on NBCSN. Don’t miss it.