5 From Sochi

This year’s Russian Grand Prix delivered quite a lot of entertainment in comparison to previous races in Sochi.

In what I’m planning on becoming a regular feature alongside my usual blogs, here's my ‘5 from... Sochi’.

1 – Ferrari and their team orders controversy.

This time it wasn’t all criticism of Ferrari using team orders, but mainly the way they executed it. Which in all honesty was quite poor. Vettel took a slipstream off Leclerc and gained the lead at the start of the race. With the two Ferrari cars working together they managed to fend off Hamilton and take a 1-2. There were instant reports of a pre-planned agreement between the drivers, with Ferrari’s radio call early in the race for their drivers to swap positions. The call from the Ferrari pit wall wasn’t a team order in my opinion, just a question. They asked Vettel if he would let Leclerc past, there was no order - i.e. “you must let Leclerc by, that is a Team Order”. Ferrari needs to toughen up if they’re to execute Team Orders to perfection – they have to take a no-nonsense approach.

They eventually gave Leclerc the lead back at the pit stop, which seemed the ideal opportunity. Vettel’s engine issue however obviously changed the whole dynamic of the race. Otherwise they did look set for another 1-2 finish.

The big question, is will this change Vettel and Leclerc’s attitude to each other? Only time will tell.

2 – The Virtual Safety Car (VSC) gifts a win.

With the engine issue Vettel suffered he had to park up on the run off area, there was no other option but to trigger the VSC. Neutralising the racing speed, it gifted the opportunity for Hamilton to pit for new tyres and take the lead of the race. Many fans criticised how the VSC “ruined the race”. Questions are being asked if it should be allowed for teams to pit under the virtual safety car.

In my opinion the race was still on thanks to the following safety car just a few laps later. Leclerc pitted again for the soft tyres, meaning Himself, Hamilton and Bottas – the top 3 – were all on the same tyres and racing to the end. There was still a race for Leclerc to win, but he was unable to pass Bottas.

The VSC is very complicated, there are a lot of areas where time can be gained and lost. It’s still relatively new in to Formula 1, so there’s bound to be some changes made over time. I personally don’t mind them pitting under the VSC. It adds an entirely different opportunity during the race. As everyone knows, anything can happen in Formula 1 - If it means a team has to think fast and differently to take advantage, then I’m happy to see it.

3 – Has Raikkonen had it?

It’s been a very tough few races for Kimi Raikkonen. He was out shone by his young team mate Antonio Giovinazzi in Singapore and Italy. Whilst Raikkonen finished ahead of him in Russia they were both still outside the points. Raikkonen seems to be missing something in the last few races as silly mistakes have crept in. The jump start in Russia instantly dropping him down the field before the penalty was even applied really ruined any chances for a good result.

I really think Raikkonen still has something to offer Alfa Romeo, he has had some great results and raced brilliantly this year, but he seems to have laboured recently. I hope his heart is still in it and he can compete, as he would be dearly missed if he dropped out of Formula 1.

4 – The return of McLaren Mercedes

Before any racing started in Russia, McLaren announced that it will be returning to use Mercedes engines from 2021. This is great news for many fans who hope to see McLaren back competing at the front. But what does it mean for the sport? Well this would result – currently – in there being only one Renault powered car on the grid, the works team. We could see a new team join the sport under new regulations, which would be brilliant. Or we could see another team, possibly Racing Point or Haas who change to Renault power. The fear for me is if Renault decides it isn’t worth continuing in Formula 1 that they pull out and leave the sport in a treacherous position. Hopefully it won’t come to this.

5 – So long Sochi?

The race at Sochi has always reminded me of the old Valencia circuit. Nothing much really happened and it isn’t a great race track. It’s rumoured that after this year the Grand Prix will be moved from Sochi, potentially to St Petersburg. Just as the final race in Valencia was a great one, the potential last race here in Sochi was also good. I can’t say that I will miss the Sochi circuit, but I hope they don’t make just another street circuit, and if it does move from Sochi, it will be a proper race track.

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