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Massa says Vettel "likes to complain" after radio remarks

Felipe Massa has labelled Sebastian Vettel as someone who "really likes to complain" in the aftermath of the Russian Grand Prix, following the Ferrari driver's apparent dissatisfaction with Massa's driving late on.

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H

Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari SF70H

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The German had been closing up on race leader Valtteri Bottas all throughout the final stint of the race and was within a second of the Mercedes driver heading onto the final lap.

However, he was denied the opportunity to follow Bottas all throughout the lap as the Finn cleared the lapped car of Massa approaching Turn 2, while Vettel had to take an unorthodox line to overtake Massa after the looping Turn 3.

Vettel was heard asking 'What the hell was that?' following his Massa run-in, as the German angrily gesticulated upon passing the Williams.

Upon being relayed Vettel's grievance after the race, Massa joked: "He was on his radio complaining? Are you sure?

"I left completely the inside part for him, I back off before in Turn 4 and he didn’t want to go. He was afraid to dive inside, I was completely on the left, then I let him by straight away after.

"I am also sure he was not going to pass Valtteri on the last lap of the race. Anyway, he really likes to complain."

Asked about the matter on the podium, Vettel said: "Obviously I tried everything to catch Valtteri and I thought there might be some opportunity.

"I was sure he [Massa] would lift around Turn 3 as it's flat out. But it doesn’t matter. "

Praise for former teammate

Massa, who partnered Bottas at Williams in 2014-16, said the Finn's Russian GP triumph served as proof that Mercedes had made the right choice in signing him.

"So happy for him, I think he deserves the position he has today," Massa said.

"Many people were not talking about him at the right level, in terms of drivers. I said straight away when he signed with Mercedes that he will do a good job. And he's doing [a good job].

"The fourth race [with Mercedes] he has this victory, now he’s a different driver because he’s achieved a victory. He’ll achieve a lot more than what he had today."

Additional reporting by Jonathan Noble

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