Strong start propels Vettel to win in Brazil

SAO PAULO — It was all about who got the best start at Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel had it, starting from the second spot on the grid. Pole sitter Valtteri Bottas didn’t, and it probably cost the Mercedes driver the race.

Vettel overtook Bottas on the first turn and essentially held the lead the entire way for his 47th career victory, his fifth this season, and his third in Brazil.

The victory solidified Vettel’s hold on second place in the season standings after Lewis Hamilton clinched the title two weeks ago in Mexico City.

“I thought I had a good launch,” said Vettel, who slipped by Bottas on the first turn — a left-hander heading down a slight grade at the rolling Interelagos circuit.

“I knew I had to go for it. There was a little bit of a gap and it turned out to be very important.”

Hamilton started last after crashing in qualifying on the first lap, but managed to push his way into contention, staying out longer before pitting while the other leaders changed tires earlier because they were running on softer compounds.

Bottas finished second with Kimi Raikkonen of Ferrari taking third. Hamilton was fourth, just 5.4 seconds behind Vettel.