Valtteri Bottas considered his Italian Grand Prix as “one of my better weekends with Mercedes” after a podium finish.
After taking P1 in qualifying and the Saturday Sprint, the Finn recovered from P18 on the grid to fourth following a power unit change on Friday, before inheriting third from Sergio Perez due to a penalty for the Mexican.
Unfortunately for Bottas, Daniel Ricciardo’s first win since 2018 meant the Aussie took the Driver of the Day vote, but he was certainly a star performer in the first race after it was announced he would be leaving Mercedes for Alfa Romeo in 2022.
“I told the team that I was going to be on the podium today so I am glad we did,” Valtteri said afterwards.
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“Starting from the back is never easy, and in the end, I’m glad we got more points than Red Bull today.
“A great recovery from me, I don’t think I’ve made up that many places in a race in my career. The battle with Perez was a good one and I am very happy with my result.
“It was enjoyable out there, some good overtakes and some good racing,” he continued. “Probably one of my better weekends with Mercedes, I think I was strong all weekend so that is very satisfying.
“Now we need to look ahead and I hope to carry this momentum into Russia, a track where I’ve done well in the past.”
Indeed, Bottas is a two-time winner in Sochi and also handed victory to teammate Lewis Hamilton in 2018.
As for his result on Sunday, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was delighted as the team extended their lead in the Constructors’ standings to 18 points.
“Valtteri did an incredible job coming from the back and getting a podium for the team,” said the Austrian.
“He has been on top form this weekend and P3 is thoroughly deserved after his performance all weekend.”
