Japanese Grand Prix driver ratings

Motor Racing - Formula One World Championship - Japanese Grand Prix - Race Day - Suzuka, Japan

Valtteri Bottas - 5th place, 10 points: 7/10

While most drivers were left rueing the lack of opportunity to complete their final runs in Q3, Bottas was one of the few who were happy with their first attempt. Starting third, Bottas was beaten by Vettel off the line but looked comfortable in the first stint before it became obvious the Williams race pace was not enough for the podium. Rosberg was told to pressure Bottas in to destroying his tyres, but ultimately eased past in to the chicane as Bottas left the door open. Keeping Raikkonen at bay, a badly timed second stop allowed the Ferrari to easily jump him and fifth was a slight disappointment.