Bottas lets Lewis pass, Brit goes 50 pts clear

SOCHI, September 30 

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Valtteri Bottas did as he was told and moved aside to let Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton win the Russian Grand Prix and surge 50 points clear in the Formula One championship on Sunday with five races remaining. The victory was a landmark 70th for the Briton, whose fifth title now looks only a matter of time and who is 21 wins behind the all-time record of 91 held by seven-time champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton’s closest rival Sebastian Vettel finished third for Ferrari with Bottas, who started from pole position and was told to let Hamilton through after 25 of the 53 laps, securing the Mercedes one-two. “It doesn’t feel great. Naturally, Valtteri has been an incredible team player today,” said Hamilton after one of his more controversial wins. 

In a race with little real drama, Max Verstappen celebrated his 21st birthday in style by steering his Red Bull from the back to the front, dropping back to fifth after finally pitting with 10 laps to go. Mercedes remain unbeaten in Russia, Sunday being their fifth win in Sochi since the Olympic Park circuit first appeared on the calendar in 2014. Hamilton has now won eight races this season.

The Briton, who would not have been able to switch places with Bottas had he not pulled off a slick overtake on Vettel after dropping behind at the pitstops, stayed in the car for some time after he parked up at the finish.

He then went over to thank Bottas and commiserate. At the podium ceremonies, with Russian president Vladimir Putin doing the honours, Hamilton manoeuvred the Finn onto the top step alongside him. “It’s actually quite a difficult day,” he said. “He was a real gentleman to let me by. Usually I’d be elated but I can understand how difficult it was for Valtteri.” 

The Finn, without a win this season, had asked the team over the radio, more in hope than expectation, in the closing laps whether the order might change back. “Is this how we are going to finish the race?” he asked, before the answer came back in the affirmative.

“Valtteri this is Toto. Difficult day for you and a difficult day for us,” said team boss Toto Wolff, whose finger had been captured by the world television feed hovering over the ‘tactics’ button before the order was given. “Let’s discuss it afterwards and we’ll explain things.” — Reuters

Russian Grand Prix 

Result

• 1 Lewis Hamilton (Britain) Mercedes 1:27:25.181
• 2 Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes +2.545s
• 3 Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari +7.487s
• 4 Kimi Raikkonen (Finland) Ferrari +16.543s
• 5 Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull +31.016s
• 9 Esteban Ocon (France) Force India-Mercedes 1 lap
• 10 Sergio Perez (Mexico) 

Force India-Mercedes 1 lap

Driver standings

Driver pts 

Lewis Hamilton 306

Sebastian Vettel 256     

Valtteri Bottas 189

Kimi Raikkonen 186       

constructor standings

constructor     pts 

Mercedes 495    

Ferrari   442    

Red Bull 292    

Force India (7th) 35