Valtteri Bottas takes new engine ahead of the Russian GP
It has been reported that Valtteri Bottas will be taking a new engine ahead of the Russian GP. It is a tactical move to push off Max Verstappen. Verstappen will be starting from the bottom of the grid and Bottas will probably start from the 17th position.
Andrew Benson, A F1 journalist reported:
“Mercedes fit a new engine to Valtteri Bottas’ car. He will start, it is believed, 17th, still ahead of Max Verstappen. It’s a tactical decision, hinted at by Toto Wolff on Saturday. Mercedes say it gives him another fresh engine in the pool and should have little points impact”
This move will hamper Verstappen charger through the bottom of the grid as Bottas will be there ahead of him and boost Lewis Hamilton’s chances at capturing his eight title at the end of the season. Hamilton will start the race on fourth position and will look to make use of Bottas’ sacrifice.
McLaren have secured the pole position on the grid for the second race running. Earlier Daniel Ricciardo started on pole at Monza and now Norris will start on pole at Sochi. The top three will be Norris, Carlos Sainz and George Russell respectively. If anyone of them can win the race at Sochi it will be huge upset.
Though it is very unlikely as Hamilton will push to win the race as it will earn him some valuable points in order to get past Verstappen on the Driver’s standing. Verstappen curently leads Hamilton by 5 points.
Follow our dedicated Formula One page for instant Formula One news and updates
