SOCHI, Russia -- Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda says he's never seen a driver withstand as much pressure to win their first Formula One race as Valtteri Bottas did to win the Russian Grand Prix.
Bottas had to hold off a late charge from Sebastian Vettel, who set up a thrilling final four laps by closing up to within DRS range of the Finn. Despite the huge pressure in the closing stages Bottas held firm to become F1's 107th race winner, something Lauda believes deserves enormous credit.
"It surprised me a lot because it's his first race victory under these difficult conditions with Vettel in a better combination behind him," Lauda said.