Vettel flips off Massa as Russian GP turns nasty

Video has emerged of a furious Sebastian Vettel flipping Felipe Massa the bird while overtaking him during the Russian Grand Prix.

Vettel was trying to chase down eventual winner Valtteri Bottas on the final lap when he was blocked by Massa - Bottas's former teammate.

Williams driver Massa had let Bottas through into Turn 2, but then took the corner in front of Vettel, who then had to pass him around the outside, effectively ending any chance of a Vettel victory.

When he eventually managed to get past Massa, Vettel stuck his middle finger up at the Brazilian and shouted angrily over the radio.

"He did cost me," Vettel said after the race.

"First of all, he handed a very pleasant tow to Valtteri on the last lap, and I was in the DRS, which was tough enough to do.

"And then he let him by and I don't know if he knew there was another car coming. I don't think, maybe.

"Obviously Felipe did him a favour twice. Once handing him a pleasant tow and then he cost me a bit of time. But that's how it is with backmarkers."

Massa responded by saying the German "really likes to complain".

Bottas claimed his maiden Formula One victory with a brilliant start which catapulted him ahead of both Ferraris.

Vettel was runner-up to increase his lead in the world championship standings from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton, who never really threatened to rise from fourth on the grid.

Australian Red Bull Racing driver Daniel Ricciardo retired on the fifth lap.

with AAP