Russia victory proves Bottas' true quality - Massa

Felipe Massa was "so happy" to see former Williams Formula 1 team-mate Valtteri Bottas take his first grand prix win in Russia last weekend, and believes it will make people recognise the Finn's true ability and quality.

Bottas raced alongside Massa at Williams for three seasons before joining Mercedes for 2017 in place of world champion Nico Rosberg following his shock retirement.

In just his fourth race for Mercedes, Bottas powered to victory in Sochi last weekend after a late battle with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

Massa expressed his delight at Bottas' success following the race, adding that he thought it would make critics understand how talented he is.

"I'm so happy for him," Massa said. "He deserves it, the position he had today for the driver he is. I think maybe people were not talking about him on the right level he is in terms of drivers.

"I said straightaway when he signed with Mercedes he would do a good job, and he is doing. It shows the fourth race he has his first victory, now he is a different driver because he achieves a victory.

"So happy for him. He will achieve a lot more than what he had today."

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