Russia holds no fear for Vettel

Formula One champions Mercedes have yet to be beaten in Russia, which hosts a grand prix for the fifth time this weekend, but Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel still sees nothing to fear in Sochi.

The German is 40 points adrift of Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton with six races remaining and is running out of time to reassert himself in the battle of the four-time world champions.

Hamilton has plenty of momentum and has won twice in Russia, even if last year it was Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas who won in a race run in late April rather than at the sharp end of the season.

Bottas, 110 points behind the Briton in the championship, may in 2018 be required to play a “wingman” role which would leave Vettel facing a fully focused foe in Hamilton, who has won four of the last five races.

Vettel did his best to stay positive after finishing third last time out in Singapore – a round that Ferrari were expected to win.

“Russia, I think, has been getting better the last years for us, so it should suit our car as well,” the German said.

“I don’t think we have any tracks to fear that are coming,” he said.

An eighth win of the season on Sunday would mean Hamilton can finish runner-up in every remaining race and still be champion, even if Vettel wins all five.

He and Mercedes also know how fast things can change, though, and will be taking nothing for granted.