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Lewis Hamilton is hanging on within the System One title race, however Mercedes are actually able to assault the 2021 run-in.
Seven-time champion Hamilton, chasing a report eighth crown, made a surprising begin to the season, with three wins and a second-placed end from the primary 4 races.
Within the 10 grands prix since, although, the Briton has taken the highest spot of the rostrum simply as soon as, leaving him nonetheless ready on his a centesimal win after a four-race drought.
Hamilton nonetheless entered the mid-season break with the championship lead, however a brutal triple-header noticed him slip behind Max Verstappen, who recorded back-to-back triumphs earlier than taking factors within the dash race at Monza, regardless of then crashing out alongside his rival.
Clashes between the pair have been frequent this 12 months, however a brief break earlier than Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix has allowed the contenders to focus once more.
Mercedes staff principal Toto Wolff mentioned forward of Sochi: “Our goal is to drag collectively a robust weekend, beginning in FP1 and constructing one session at a time.
“Lewis is within the tenth championship battle of his F1 profession, and he’s laser centered on what he must ship within the subsequent eight races.
“As for Valtteri [Bottas], he is driving higher than ever, like we noticed in Monza – and he will probably be flat out each weekend.
“There is a calm dedication in regards to the staff proper now and the enterprise finish of a season, preventing for championships, is precisely what we take pleasure in probably the most.”
Mercedes nonetheless lead the constructors’ championship forward of Pink Bull.
LAST TIME OUT
Neither Verstappen nor Hamilton completed in Italy after a outstanding crash that noticed the Dutchman’s automotive land on high of his rival’s halo.
Each drivers have been pressured to retire, with Hamilton telling of how he was “so grateful I’m nonetheless right here” and “extremely blessed that somebody was watching over me”.
“I do not suppose I’ve ever been hit on the top by a automotive earlier than,” he mentioned. “And it’s fairly a giant shock for me.”
With the 2 main males dominated out, McLaren capitalised with a surprising one-two – their first for the reason that 2010 Canadian GP.
Having simply slipped behind rivals Ferrari within the standings, it was an enormous consequence for the British outfit, as they moved again as much as third.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN RUSSIA
It is going to be fascinating to see how Verstappen and Hamilton method this race, certainly eager to keep away from a repeat of Monza but additionally unable to threat taking their foot of the pedal on this tense tussle.
Mercedes have gained each earlier Russian GP, though they’ve been the excellent staff in every of these seasons. Now they face an actual problem.
The battle between McLaren and Ferrari is simply as tense, though Bottas is sustaining a spot to Lando Norris after ending third twice.
TOP FIVE OPTA FACTS
Mercedes dominant – With 4 wins for Hamilton, two for Bottas and one for Nico Rosberg, Mercedes have a 100 per cent report in Sochi. No staff have gained extra races at a single grand prix with out failing.
Hamilton at dwelling – Hamilton has reached the rostrum in seven of his seven entries, registering a report 4 wins. His worst consequence was fourth in 2017.
Bottas from behind – 5 of the seven winners have began on the entrance row, with Bottas’ two victories after qualifying third the exceptions.
Ferrari frustration – Solely in Abu Dhabi (12) have Ferrari made extra appearances with out profitable ever than in Russia (seven). They’ve had two pole positions, two quickest laps and 6 podiums.
Tight on the high – The hole of 5 factors between Verstappen and Hamilton is the closest the highest two have been after 14 races for the reason that 2016 battle between Hamilton and Rosberg (two factors).
CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Max Verstappen (Pink Bull) – 226.5
2. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 221.5
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) – 141
4. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 132
5. Sergio Perez (Pink Bull) – 118
Constructors
1. Mercedes – 362.5
2. Pink Bull – 344.5
3. McLaren – 215
4. Ferrari – 201.5
5. Alpine – 95
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