'Surprised' Lauda hails fantastic first win for Bottas

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Mercedes non-executive chairman Niki Lauda praised Valtteri Bottas for his maiden Formula 1 win, achieved against what the Austrian considered as fierce competition.

Bottas made the most of the run down to Turn 3 after the start to take command of a race he would only relinquish momentarily when pit stop rotations took place.

The Finn's delivered a flawless performance which surprised Lauda given Ferrari's form at Sochi.

"It surprised me a lot because it's his first race victory under these difficult conditions with Vettel in a better combination behind him," said the F1 legdnd.

"He did a fantastic job. I've never seen anyone like him, under this pressure, to win his first grand prix. He can't do a better grand prix."

Bottas hopes Sochi just the first of many victories

Lauda said that with his first win now behind him, the Mercedes driver's task going forward should be easier.

"To win the first grand prix in a racing driver's life is always the most difficult - I know from my own experience," he said.

"I remember [my first win] very well - Fittipaldi called me, who was the world champion in this day, and he said 'congratulations, the next ones will come easier', which is true.

"I told exactly the same thing to Valtteri just now - the next one will come easy. He has proven he can win."

On the podium, master of ceremony Eddie Jordan called upon Mercedes boss Toto Wolf to extend Bottas' contract without further due.

"We are talking about this year," Lauda said.

"I want to win this year. I don't care who will win it. We have had no discussion about next year at all. Valtteri did the perfect job, all that we expected from him.

"He is certainly a very good replacement for Nico [Rosberg]."

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.