Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has hailed his win at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing it as one of the most important of his career after having a tough second half of the 2017 season.
Bottas claimed pole position for the final race of the season at the Yas Marina circuit and led from the outset, maintaining a small yet assertive lead over teammate Lewis Hamilton throughout the race, going on to win by just under four seconds.
"It is a really important win for me," said Bottas post-race. "I had a pretty difficult start to the second half of the year, I’ve been working hard on all the issues and getting better and better with everything and this weekend with a pole, a win… I couldn’t be happier to end the season like this.
"Again, congratulations to Lewis for the title and congratulations to Sebastian Vettel for second place in the championship. Our third [win] this year, hopefully better next year."
Reflecting on his race which marked the Finn securing a grand-slam, Bottas continued: "You know, I was really managing the pace and that way in the race I was leading, that was a nice feeling.
"I had one bit of a lock-up when I was approaching the lapped cars, but otherwise no issues and in the last five laps I started to go a bit quicker, I managed to build a gap and I’m really pleased," he added.
"The car was so good and again, for this season, team, thank you very much, I’ve really enjoyed it… I’m so happy, there’s been so much support from my family and everyone."
Despite winning in the desert, Bottas was unable to secure second place in the Drivers' Championship, with Sebastian Vettel finishing in third place as opposed to a required ninth. Nevertheless, Bottas heads into 2018 on a high with a victory and as the highest points scorer of the last three races.
