Long wait for a rewarding Finnish

SOCHI, Russia - Valtteri Bottas admitted his first Formula One victory felt "a little bit surreal" but was worth the long wait after securing a tense triumph for Mercedes in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old Finn, recruited by Mercedes in January as a replacement for retired 2016 champion German Nico Rosberg, resisted intense pressure from Sebastian Vettel to win in his 81st Grand Prix and his fourth outing with the champion team.

"I felt good ... but it's a little bit surreal this first win," he said. "Hopefully, the first of many. It was definitely one of my best races ever, so it's a good feeling and I am happy."