Valtteri Bottas was left disappointed as he slipped back from pole position to third place at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bottas started from pole for the first time in his Formula 1 career at the start, but was pressured by Sebastian Vettel throughout the opening stint, with the Finn at the head of a closely-contested five-car train.
Vettel used the undercut, and benefited from a Safety Car period, to move into the lead, while Bottas was twice instructed to let team-mate Lewis Hamilton through, with the Briton on an alternative strategy.
Bottas eventually trailed home in third position, dropping away from Vettel and Hamilton during the final stint.
“It was not a good day; we had an issue with the tyre pressures at the start,” said Bottas.
“I could really feel it in the first stint and was sliding around as early as lap two. The pace wasn't good and Sebastian put us under real pressure.
“I tried to extend the first stint but I couldn't keep up with the pace. The second stint was better but I was still struggling with oversteer and then I couldn't get the rear-end to work in the last stint.
“Under the Safety Car at the first stop there was a problem and we lost some time in the stop; maybe otherwise I would have just been in front but I know that the team will investigate the issue.
“I had some good racing with Sebastian after the restart but unfortunately it was just for a short moment.
“I've not had the race results that I'd been hoping for so far, but will be targeting a strong weekend in Sochi.”
