On paper, fifth place appears to be hugely disappointing for Valtteri Bottas in the Russian Grand Prix, but ten laps from the end, the Finn was still desolately out of the top ten at the Sochi Autodrom. Due to the rain and a good pit stop call, he eventually managed to finish fifth.
However, two of his major competitors, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, managed to claim first and second place. The Dutchman also apparently managed to overtake Bottas with playful ease, after which Verstappen managed to make his way further through the field, while the Mercedes driver was unable to do anything.
Damon Hill was in front of Sky Sports very critical of Bottas. Especially the way in which Verstappen could pass him, went wrong with the Brit. “You can’t ignore the fact that the driver who finished second started the race last and therefore behind Bottas,” sighs Hill.
“Moreover, his team-mate won the race! We expected Valtteri to make his mark for Verstappen in the race to help his team in the battle with Red Bull, but it just seemed like he let Max pass “Maybe he didn’t want any trouble, but it didn’t look like he was racing. It was like a gift to Verstappen.”
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