F1 News
Shovlin very happy: "He did an excellent job today"
- GPblog.com
Mercedes engineer Andrew Shovlin talks about an 'excellent job' by Valtteri Bottas, who on Sunday won the Russian Grand Prix for the second time. Lewis Hamilton's weekend didn't go so well and according to Shovlin that was mainly due to the problems on Saturday.
Satisfaction
Shovlin is very satisfied with Bottas' weekend: "Valtteri did an excellent job today and it was very nice to see him on the top step of the podium again. He had a good weekend overall and drove a strong race to finish it with a win," Shovlin says in a press release of Mercedes.
Difficult weekend
Hamilton had a less easy weekend in Russia. The problems of the six-time world champion already started during qualifying where he had no time during a red flag situation and with two minutes left on the clock. "It ultimately meant that he had to qualify on the Soft tyre which put him on the wrong foot for the race," said Shovlin.
"When we pitted Lewis there was very little rubber left on the rear left tyre and while it might have been able to do another lap or two, you just risk suddenly losing grip which would bring other people into your pit window. Lewis served his penalty when he pitted and after that it was all about trying to secure the maximum result. It was a difficult day for Lewis, but he still came away with reasonable points and still holds a commanding position in the Championship," concluded Shovlin.