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With a victory yesterday in the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sochi, Lewis Hamilton could have broken Michael Schumacher’s victory record. But an embarrassing error in the rules before the start cost the Briton every chance. He was only third, while his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas won.
Hamilton had to serve two five-second penalties in the race because practice had started outside the designated area at the pit exit. Her search for the record was doomed to failure fairly quickly. Bottas outpointed Max Verstappen at first, then Hamilton’s misfortune was his luck.
In the post-race television interview, the world champion found clear words. “I’m sure no one has ever gotten two five-second penalties for something ridiculous,” Hamilton waved, saying, “I haven’t put anyone in danger. I’ve done it on a million tracks over the years.” . no one has ever cared. “He had the impression that the FIA wanted to” stop “him or Mercedes.
At least yesterday Bottas couldn’t be stopped. “It’s a good time to thank my critics,” Bottas said coldly from his cockpit after 53 laps. This was followed by a swear word in English, which the international director drowned out with a loud beep.
After several incidents after the start, the safety car entered the track on the first lap. The direct reason for this was the damaged cars of Carlos Sainz (McLaren) and Lance Stroll (Racing Point), as well as the broken parts that had to be removed. After five laps the flight restart took place, after which Hamilton could not clearly separate himself from Bottas. Due to his soft tires, the Briton had to pit ahead of Bottas and Verstappen, who had medium rollers. So the way was clear for Bottas, the 31-year-old was crucially dependent on Verstappen. Behind Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) and Daniel Ricciardo (Renault), Charles Leclerc finished sixth at Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari’s second man, came out empty-handed in 13th.
Meanwhile, Finn Kimi Rikknen made sure a surprising record was set despite Hamilton’s mess. The Finn at Alfa Romeo finished his 322nd career in Formula 1 in 14th place. In field statistics he tied with Brazilian Rubens Barrichello, who had long led this category.
Will there be a racing suspension soon?
Hamilton leads the World Cup 44 points ahead of Bottas. But now you have to be careful. He currently has eight points (none were added yesterday) in his penalty catalog, with twelve points he would have to lose a race.
