Russia F1 Grand Prix Preview & Analysis
6 years ago - Sportingbase
Ferrari dominated the previous three races and seem to have found their corner speed which plagued them early in the season. Can they make it count in Russia?
After dominating the high-speed circuits in Spa and Monza, many thought Mercedes would take control around Singapore with their corner speed and race management superiority.
Hamilton took a risk trying to run long which didn’t pay off and Bottas struggled to find enough pace to overtake which left Vettel to take the win with a faultless drive.
Singapore was the first time since 2008 Ferrari had won three consecutive races. A stat even more surprising considering this was a circuit the Scuderia were expected to struggle at.
“Obviously it is always difficult to lose a win like that but at the end it’s a one-two for the team so I’m happy for that,” runner-up Leclerc said.
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Four-time world champion Vettel looked close to tears as he accepted the winner’s champagne. “It was a bit sweaty. I’m very happy,” he joked.
Looking ahead to Russia, the Scuderia’s SF90 should be mighty on the straights – only aided further by the successful introduction of a revised aero package in Singapore – while solid improvements were found in the slow-speed sections of the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
“After taking three wins in a row, we are keen to get to Russia to see and check how our latest updates will work on what is yet again a different type of track,” said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto.
“Sochi features long straights and a very smooth surface where, once again it is not that easy to get the most out of the tyres.
“The circuit also requires a completely different set-up and aero configuration to that for Singapore. Having a well-balanced car will be a key factor.”
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THE TRACK
Drivers will have to navigate around the 5.848km circuit for 53 laps which will test every aspect of their car with 3 high speed turns and 12 low speed.
THE WEATHER
What’s the form guide for Russia?
In the five races that have been held in Russia, Mercedes have reigned supreme in every one.
Hamilton has three wins at the Sochi Autodrom and took a giant step towards his fifth World Championship with victory in 2018.
Last year’s event also saw Valtteri Bottas feel the full force of Mercedes team orders, as the Finn was told to let Hamilton by to protect against the threat of title rival Vettel.
The order was particularly hard to swallow for Bottas after he had edged out his British team-mate by 0.145 seconds to take his first pole position at the track a day earlier.
WHERE TO WATCH
Stream the Singapore Grand Prix on any device using Kayo Sports
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OUR PICK
Ferrari is in top form and full of confidence so we’re going to stick with their power around this circuit.
We are wary of a wet track which would make Max Verstappen very hard to beat.
We recommend taking advantage of Melbet’s $100 deposit bonus and use it on Verstappen @ 10-1.
Click Here For Melbet’s $100 deposit bonus.
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