Nico Rosberg’s retirement early on in the Russian Grand Prix meant it was an easy victory for Lewis Hamilton who closes in on his third drivers’ championship.
The German was forced to retire due to a throttle problem leaving Hamilton to control and go on to win an easy race.
Sebastian Vettel came home in second after jumping Valtteri Bottas through the pits.
Rosberg maintained his lead over Hamilton at the start while Raikkonen was up to third. The safety car was deployed immediately after Ericsson, Hulkenberg and Verstappen collided at turn three.
Lotus’ Romain Grosjean was forced to pit for a new front wing while Max Verstappen had rear wheel damage.
As the safety car came in, Rosberg’s problem exacerbated and soon dropped behind teammate Hamilton. He brought his car into the pits and retired meaning his chances of winning his maiden Formula One title is now unlikely.
The second safety car wad deployed on lap 12 as Romain Grosjean crashed at turn three. Perez and Ricciardo pitted under the safety car while the rest of the front runners stayed out.
As the raced progressed and the round of pit stops occurred. Both Ferrari’s stayed out in a bid to overcut Bottas, who pitted slightly earlier. Vettel came out ahead of the Williams while Raikkonen dropped behind.
Hamilton maintained his lead over Vettel to secure another victory and one step closer to a third title.
The battle for the final podium spot went to the wire as Bottas passed Perez into turn 13.
Raikkonen then passed the Mexican before setting his sights on Bottas. The pair collided on the final lap with the Williams driver retiring but Raikkonen managed to bring the car home in fifth, behind Massa.
Kvyat, Nasr, Maldonado, Button and Alonso rounded out the top ten.
Daniel Ricciardo was set home to come fifth but was forced to retire due to an electrical problem.
Similarly, Sainz was running in the points but suffered an electrical issue.
Comments.
Loading comments…