Valtteri Bottas harried Rosberg’s heels, crossing the line around 20 seconds behind the lightning fast Mercedes and just in front of the UK's Lewis Hamilton.
“I feel really happy again being third time in a row on the podium,” said a smiling Bottas at the post-race FIA press conference. “[Rosberg and Hamilton] were too quick today but I'm really happy we managed to keep at least one of them behind."
He added that it wasn’t an easy task, saying that the podium finish – with only two pit stops on the way – required plenty of updates from team engineers.
"We didn’t get both cars in a good position but I think today was the maximum result." 24-year-old Bottas told the media after claiming his podium hat-trick.
On the defensive
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton’s third place was an achievement in itself, after he came all the way up the field from 20th place on the grid. He came close to overtaking the Finn, yet Bottas’ superb defence work succeeded in keeping the gutsy Brit at bay.
“Lewis came on hard at the end, but fortunately I was able to hold him back. A really good score to take home. Although it will be difficult to catch the Mercs, we’ll try our best,” promised the Finnish driver.
The next Grand Prix in Budapest on 25-27 of July is likely to pose a tough challenge for the new golden boy of Finnish Formula One.
“Of course, it feels really good to be [on the podium] for the third time in a row but I think we’re aiming for more than that now,” he said.
