It was an intense last couple of laps yesterday at Sochi as Sebastian Vettel  attempted to haul in and challenge Valtteri Bottas for the race win.

The Ferrari driver closed with DRS range before the start of the ultimate round but stumbled upon Felipe Massa's Williams, which gave Bottas the extra bit of margin to keep victory in sight.

"He did cost me," said Vettel.

"First of all, he handed a very pleasant tow to Valtteri on the last lap, and I was in the DRS, which was tough enough to do.

"And then he let him by and I don't know if he knew there was another car coming. I don't think, maybe.

"Obviously Felipe did him a favour twice. Once handing him a pleasant tow and then he cost me a bit of time. But that's how it is with backmarkers."

Footage indeed shows Vettel's frustration as he delivers a clear middle-finger gesture to the Brazilian who, when all was said and done, just responded with "Vettel always likes to complain."

Gallery: All the action from Sunday in Sochi

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

Perez: Red Bull ‘in a great place’ despite Newey departure

Sergio Perez believes Red Bull Racing will be in a great place despite the departure…

4 hours ago

Miami GP: Thursday's build-up in pictures

We’re on the eve of another adrenaline-pumping weekend of action in Florida, with Formula 1's…

5 hours ago

Hamilton: Newey would be ‘amazing addition’ to Ferrari team

Lewis Hamilton has put departing Red Bull designer Adrian Newey at the top of his…

6 hours ago

Hulkenberg: Seidl ‘driving factor’ that led to Audi deal

Nico Hulkenberg says Sauber CEO Andreas Seidl was the “driving factor” behind his decision to…

7 hours ago

Honda hopes to continue support for Tsunoda after 2025

Honda says it hopes to continue supporting its protégé Yuki Tsunoda despite its departure from…

9 hours ago

Schumacher now ‘certain’ Verstappen will leave Red Bull

The news of Adrian Newey's departure from Red Bull has cast a shadow of uncertainty…

11 hours ago