Heartbreak for Norris as Hamilton claims victory over Verstappen in Russian Grand Prix.
P1 – HAM
P2 – VER
P3 – SAI
Lando Norris Denied Maiden Win
Jam packed with action, Sunday’s race in Sochi started dry and ended wet. With two laps to go, Lando Norris slid out of the lead after Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton pitted for intermediate tires.
It was a heartbreaking loss for Norris, who claimed pole position and led most of the race, ultimately ending seventh.
Lando was duly voted Driver of the Day by fans, a small consolation for what the young Brit had his eyes on for the day.
Podium Finishers
Despite falling to P7 at the start, Lewis Hamilton gave us the performance of a 7-time world champion. His fate was sealed after pitting for intermediate tires with three laps to go, passing the forlorn McLaren of Norris for his 100th victory in Formula One.
Max Verstappen showed a championship-worthy performance after starting P20 on the grid thanks to a new engine. He was safely finishing in the top five prior to the rain falling, but the decision to switch to intermediate tires was a good one, landing him second for the day.
Carlos Sainz secured P3 in Sochi, ahead of former Renault teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, in fourth.
Best of the Rest
Valtteri Bottas managed P5 after starting P16 thanks to a new power unit for the weekend, with the Alpine of Fernando Alonso finishing sixth thanks to a long stint on hard tires.
The Alfa Romeo of Kimi Raikkonen had the rain to thank for his P7 finish, making up a few places thanks to the wet conditons.
Sergio Perez and George Russell rounded out the points, just behind the Driver of the Day, Lando Norris.
Looking Ahead
Only two points separate Verstappen and Hamilton as we head to Turkey. It’s lights out at Instanbul Park in two week’s time.
