Mercedes will do everything possible to stop Max Verstappen’s comeback, even opting to deliberately penalize Valtteri Bottas to prevent him from reaching points positions with ease. Two more drivers have been similarly sanctioned.
The dispute for the world title is taking Mercedes and Red Bull to the limit and the grid this Sunday in Sochi makes it clear. On the one hand, three drivers have been sanctioned after being forced to replace the engine, thereby exceeding the limit of components allowed for the entire season.
These pilots are Nicholas Latifi, Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen, which will appear in the final part of the grid in this order. But surprisingly, Valtteri Bottas will join them after changing the engine that started at Monza again and forcing him to come back after taking pole position the day before.
This maneuver has not been forced, but strategic. In this way, Mercedes wants the Finn to cut the Dutchman’s progression, limiting his podium options or even points. Valtteri Bottas, having been the best classified of those sanctioned, will start 17th, while Verstappen will start last.
Of course, for the plan to work completely, Lewis hamilton he will have to come back from fourth place and Valtteri Bottas will have to be able to keep Max Verstappen behind. The Russian Grand Prix looks exciting.
Official grid of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix of Formula 1
Do not forget that the 2021 Russian Grand Prix Formula 1 starts at 14:00 CEST.