The maturity certificate from the Russian GP

SEBASTIAN VETTEL: The positive first: The four-time world champion and Ferrari finally had a flawless race. Tactically, the Reds even outmaneuvered their big rival Mercedes two weeks after the debacle in Singapore. The negative thing about it: Vettel didn't get anything. Third place - it wasn't enough for the German in Russia. But he couldn't expect anything more, because Ferrari was clearly inferior to Mercedes the entire weekend. Whether in training or qualifying - sometimes the two best cars in the field were worlds apart. The fact that Vettel was able to stand up to the silver medalists in the race for so long speaks for him. However, he will most likely have to say goodbye to his World Cup dream. Even Vettel in top form will hardly be able to catch up with 50 points on Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes is simply too strong in the crucial phase of the season.

LEWIS HAMILTON: The world champion once again showed no weaknesses in Sochi. The fact that he was handed the victory on a silver platter thanks to the stable orders at Mercedes should not obscure this. His overtaking maneuver against Vettel was an example of his dominance. The Brit didn't like the nature of his success at all. In retrospect, once he has perfected his fifth world title, Hamilton will probably be able to live better with the team's decision.

VALTTERI BOTTAS: Mercedes Motorsport Director Toto Wolff praised the Finn as the fastest driver of the day. He was also the saddest. Sochi is his track, the circuit suits his strengths; he celebrated his first Formula 1 victory here last year. And then? Mercedes puts him on a short leash with a radio message on lap 25 while he was in the lead. Bottas acquiesced and let Hamilton win. Hamilton then called Bottas an exceptional gentleman. He is also an exceptional wingman.

MERCEDES: No, the Silver Arrows didn't do it quite as clumsily as Ferrari did in Austria in 2002. At that time, Rubens Barrichello let Michael Schumacher pass immediately before the finish line on the team leadership's command. There was a huge outcry and the award ceremony was accompanied by a whistle concert. Schumacher became world champion for the fifth time in the same season. Hamilton should also have reached this mark in a few weeks. No fan, no driver, no person in charge likes a team order. However, sometimes it is a necessary evil. Winning the drivers' and constructors' championship is the ultimate goal for Mercedes. The reasons for the decision were also understandable given the course of the race. If Ferrari had been similarly uncompromising to Vettel in the past, the gap would probably be smaller. MAX STAGES: The birthday child received countless congratulations before the start. After the race, the line of well-wishers was once again long. The Dutchman showed a very strong race in the Red Bull. Without the penalty, Verstappen would have fought for victory.

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The maturity certificate from the Russian GP

The Russian Grand Prix in Sochi is over and there was some excitement. There is a conclusion here.

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