Bottas content with Macau podium

The Finn, who was drafted in as a late entry with the Prema Powerteam, had been one of Mortara's closest challengers throughout practice and qualifying - but could not repeat that strong form in the races.

However, he was able to put Vanthoor under pressure in the closing stages of the grand prix and reckons he would have had a chance to overtake his Belgian rival if there had been more time.

"I was catching him lap-by-lap a little bit, but it was just not enough," said Bottas. "On the second last lap, when I would have had a chance to catch him at the end of the straight, it was not a perfect lap and I didn't catch him enough.

"I was hoping for a couple of laps more so I could have a chance to overtake him but after the safety car [Marco] Wittmann overtook me and I had to get past him to get third and then catch up."

Despite having not delivered the victory he reckoned he was capable of, Bottas was far from unhappy about eventually finishing on the podium.

"I must be happy with the podium," he said. "It is great being on the podium at a race with all the best drivers and best F3 teams - but I would of course be happier to be in the middle here like [winner] Edoardo.

"But I am happy for the team and happy for Mercedes-Benz, as it was quite short notice that we came here, that we got on the podium."