Hoodwinking on the track
VETTEL: FIRST STOPPED HAMILTON, THEN HIS TEAM-MATE LECLERC FROM TAKING THE LEAD
But Bottas very capably ran shotgun for Hamilton as he cruised to a comfortable victory.
The Russian Grand Prix was, unfortunately, business as usual for both Mercedes and Ferrari. After yet another pole for Charles Leclerc, with team-mate Sebastian Vettel third, it was looking good for the scarlet team, but with the presence of the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton next to Leclerc and fellow Silver Arrow driver Valtteri Bottas, alongside Vettel in fourth, it was anyone’s guess who would take the honours.
Ferrari team orders were surprisingly broadcast at the start when Vettel took the lead, having prevented Hamilton from slipstreaming Leclerc and grabbing the advantage at the first corner.
But the prearranged orders went awry as Vettel refused to give the lead to his team-mate causing consternation within the ranks.
An attempt to use a pit stop to achieve the swap went wrong when Vettel lost his MGU-K shortly after regaining the track and a Virtual Safety Car was deployed.
It was the turning point of the race as, whatever the Maranello team attempted, Leclerc’s lone Ferrari could not get past Bottas, who very capably ran shotgun for Hamilton as he cruised to a comfortable victory.
Bottas was second and a disgruntled Leclerc third.
Interesting that television commentator and ex-F1 driver, Paul de Resta expressed his displeasure with the fact that teams are allowed to pit during a VSC period and so gain such an advantage as was seen last Sunday.
I have to agree with him. I am a purist and believe races are won on track and not through unpredictable safety measures.
It was interesting to read of the Renault/McLaren situation, with the Woking team moving to Mercedes power from the end of 2020.
Cyril Arbiteboul, Renault Sport managing director, said: “Since our partnership began, McLaren has gone from ninth to fourth position in the Constructor’s Championship.
“However, while looking beyond the terms of the current contract, it was apparent that Renault and McLaren have different ambitions for the future.
“The year 2021 will be a crucial season for all teams and it is important for us to have a clear view of the strengths and ambitions of our competitors going forward.
“Our decision is in line with Renault’s vision to become a works team, with a goal to return to the front.
“Renault will continue to honour its commitments to McLaren Racing next season, as has always been the case over our long history of engine supply.” he concluded.