Bottas: Verstappen’s driving not fair

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Valtteri Bottas: Max Verstappen's driving not fair

Valtteri Bottas: Max Verstappen's driving not fair

Valtteri Bottas says Max Verstappen’s antics at Monza were “not as fair” as he wanted but in the end the Dutchman received a penalty and he got the podium.

Bottas spent much of Sunday’s 53-lap Italian Grand Prix chasing Max Verstappen for third place.

The Finn’s chances, though, seemed to be over when he was asked to spend time holding up Kimi Raikkonen in order to give Lewis Hamilton a shot at winning.

He did just that and was therefore the last of the top four to pit.

That played into his favour.

Bottas hunted down Verstappen and tried to pass him twice, the second almost ending in tears as the Dutchman refused to give him any space, instead moving into Bottas’ line and pushing him off the track.

Verstappen was handed a five-place penalty that meant Bottas finished third after the chequered flag.

“I was really trying to do everything I can to get to the podium,” said the Finn.

“First my mission was to hold up kimi for a while but then to end up on the podium

“It was hard racing, some times not as fair as I was hoping for so he got a penalty and I’m on the podium.”

However, Bottas main mission on the day was to help Hamilton, which he did with the Brit winning the grand prix and extending his lead in the championship.

Bottas added: “I think as a team we will take this result.

“We got more points than Ferrari at their home.

“Obviously they were quicker yesterday in the qualifying but we’ll take it and hopefully do better at the next round.”

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