Mercedes with a happy Sochi strategy

Ferrari rookie Charles Leclerc started the race from pole position, behind world champion Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes, Sebastian Vettel started in the second Ferrari. The German passed Hamilton at the start and also passed his teammate after a few corners. Then came the first safety car phase. What followed next will not be included in the success story of the “Scuderia”: The box informed Leclerc that he was allowed to pass Vettel. Vettel demanded to stay in the lead for 2 more laps because Hamilton was too close due to the safety car. In the 1th lap the announcement to Vettel “let Charles pass” (let Charles pass). But Vettel didn't want to and on the 2th lap he radioed Leclerc that the swap of places would be carried out later. The young Monegasque’s answer to the pit crew: “manage the situation”!

Ferrari box with questionable strategy In the meantime, Vettel had opened up a 4,4 second lead over Leclerc and on lap 23 he pitted for fresh tires. Then Vettel also wanted to change the tires, but Ferrari was reluctant. Finally, Leclerc hit the Russian asphalt one fastest lap after the other and when Vettel was brought into the pits (lap 27), Leclerc had passed the German. Sebastian Vettel was only temporarily ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc. © APA/afp / DIMITAR DILKOFF

But Vettel didn't get far with the new tires; after a few corners the electronics failed - Vettel had to park the car. Hamilton and Bottas pitted in the virtual safety car and Hamilton returned to the track ahead of Leclerc. Then the real safety car came after Russel crashed into the barrier in the Williams. Leclerc in second place gave back his tires that were a few laps old and picked up the faster tires with the red marking - in the belief that he could overtake Bottas and in the hope of catching up with Hamilton. But that didn't happen, the two Mercedes achieved a (surprising) one-two victory and Ferrari urgently needed to talk.

Winner Hamilton is now within touching distance of his 6th world championship title and Mercedes can no longer be denied the title in the constructors' championship. Small consolation for Vettel: He was voted driver of the day.

The result: Pos Name Country Team 1. Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes 2. Valtteri Bottas END Mercedes 3. Charles Leclerc MCO Ferrari 4. Max Verstappen NED Red Bull 5. Alexander albon THA Red Bull 6. Carlos Sainz jr. ESP McLaren 7. Sergio Perez MEX Racing Point 8. Lando Norris GBR McLaren 9. Kevin Magnussen THE Haas 10. Nico Hulkenberg GER Renault

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Mercedes with a happy Sochi strategy

At the Russian Grand Prix, the Silver Arrows benefited from luck in the race - and from strategic mistakes in the Ferrari pits. This meant that the course of the race in Sochi was unpredictable.

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