SAKHIR, Bahrain -- Sebastian Vettel admits he thought his chances of victory at the Bahrain Grand Prix were lost in the closing stages of the race.
The Ferrari driver secured his second victory in as many races on Sunday night after holding off a late charge from Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas. Vettel pitted from the lead on lap 18 with the aim of running a two-stop strategy, but Ferrari had to change its plans when it became clear Mercedes would last the race on a one-stop.
As a result, Vettel had to complete 39 laps on one set of soft tyres while Bottas' strategy meant he had the more durable medium compound to complete 37 laps to the flag after his pit stop.