Russian GP Race Report: A Message to Bottas’ Critics

Since Russia began hosting Grand Prix again, in 2014, the tracks in Sochi hasn't exactly produced thrillers. Politically, it makes sense to race there. Still, other than Valtteri Bottas, not many look to Russia as the greatest place to race in the world. At least not the Sochi Autodrom. Sochi followed two Oscar-worthy dramas in Monza and Tuscany, and Netflix were filming Mercedes throughout the weekend for the 'Drive to Survive' documentary. Last season, Netflix were on the inside when Mercedes had one of their worst ever races, in Germany. This year, they got the win. despite this, the episode won’t exactly show Mercedes at their best.

Biggest winner: Formula One

There is little, if any, on which the Formula One paddock usually agrees. However, Friday saw this rare moment as the F1 world reacted to the appointment of the new CEO of Formula One. Stefano Domenicali, former Team Principal of Ferrari, is a smiling, intelligent and professional character. I believe that in this role, he can effectively implement the positive changes that Liberty Media have planned for the future. Born in Imola, Stefano lives and breathes motorsport, and he has the experience and personality to succeed in the Piranha tank that is Formula One.

Is another former Ferrari man joining Ross Brawn and Jean Todt at the top of Formula One's leadership a bit dodgy? I don't believe so. These are all conscientious men who love F1. Interestingly, Toto Wolff stated that Ferrari would have vetoed any appointment of him taking charge, which, once again proves the importance of political power to Ferrari.

Biggest loser: The fans

I would say that Lewis Hamilton is the biggest loser of the weekend - he started in pole position, received a penalty and finished in third. By his standards, that is a bad day at the office. 

Hamilton's weekend woes began in qualifying, where he had to abort his lap due to a red flag ahead of him. The moment forced him to use the softer, less favourable tyres to begin the race. This meant that, despite starting at the front of the pack, his strategy was sub-optimal. To make matters worse, he received a ten second time penalty for doing practice starts in an area where he shouldn't. Odd given that this is a procedural matter that had never been a problem in the past. Hamilton felt aggrieved - a natural reaction of a racing driver. But if he and the team were wrong, a sanction is warranted.

The real loser though wasn't Lewis. It was the onlooking fans, who wanted to watch Hamilton battle with Verstappen and Bottas on a weaker strategy. All year, Hamilton, as the better driver, has often taken victory unchallenged. Unfortunately, the penalty gave Lewis too much work to do in too little time. Had Mercedes and Hamilton not made a mistake and the FIA not been as harsh, we might have had a battle on our hands. A shame really.

Moment of the race: The Battle of the Brits

Perez's move on Daniel Ricciardo was good to watch in a reasonably bland race. However, my favourite battle came a few laps earlier. George Russell, Alex Albon and Lando Norris, the three rising British stars in F1, fought over sixteenth place. Russell initially got the better of his rivals in his inferior machinery. However, that wouldn't last, and last would be where he finished. Meanwhile, Albon managed to turn a difficult starting position and grid penalty into a single point, with Norris a few places back in fifteenth, capping off a disappointing weekend for McLaren.

A tough weekend for these three, but they are still part of the future of Formula One and British racing. While the others are in faster cars, I wonder whether Russell will be the first to win a race of the three. He is the real deal and ready for Mercedes to call him up when his services are required.

Honourable mention: A mature drive from the rookie

If I am praising George Russell, it is only fair to mention his teammate, Nicholas Latifi. Russell has continually outshone the Canadian rookie in qualifying all season, and the same has usually applied during the race. Nevertheless, maturity showed, negotiating a messy first few laps and keeping up a consistent pace, Latifi managed sixteenth. It wasn't the most incredible result, but he beat his teammate by half a minute and maximised the potential of a relatively uncompetitive car. A round of applause would be overkill, but an honourable mention seems adequate.

AJontheLine line of the weekend: "**** you".

I am one of the many people that have questioned Valtteri Bottas' ability to take the fight to Lewis Hamilton. This year is littered with examples of the Fin being given the chance to go to battle. Still, quite often he has written to the foreign office to seek advice instead. On Sunday, he had a lunge around the outside of Hamilton into turn one. It wasn't a successful move, but at least he was having a go. It turns out that he accidentally went for the overtake - he had braked too late, distracted by a large bee hitting his helmet. It says a lot that his most praiseworthy moment was an accident. 

Eventually, he would come out on top thanks to a calm yet underwhelming Saturday, a good start and a penalty for Hamilton. It was a good race, but by no means his best. Upon winning, he spoke on the radio, thanking his critics and saying 'for those of you whom it may concern f*** you". While this is a strong message from Bottas, who has struggled at times this season, I hope that this isn't just a one-hit-wonder performance. The real test is to continue to win again and again. That will challenge Hamilton, and I hope he does.

So that was Russia. Not the record-equaling win that Lewis Hamilton was after all. Although, I suspect that he will come back in a fortnight with fire in his belly, at the Nurburgring. A cold and unpredictable weekend awaits. Don't miss it.