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This is how the F1 International media reacted to the Russian Grand Prix
The international media saw that Max Verstappen in his RB16 could do nothing else than cross the finish line in second. Mercedes were also by far the fastest car during the Russian Grand Prix. For Red Bull and Verstappen, little was possible in terms of strategy or during overtaking actions on the track.
Sky Sports - Great Britain
"Max Verstappen dropped behind Bottas at the start from the front row and thereafter could not challenge Mercedes in his Red Bull and finished second, although took solace from beating Hamilton. The world champion was handed two five-second penalties from stewards on lap eight, which he then served in the pit lane before his lap-17 pit stop. He also had two further penalty points added to his licence - although they were later rescinded by the FIA."
Auto, Motor und Sport - Germany
"Verstappen was Bottas' only real opponent. The Red Bull could never really keep up with the pace of the Mercedes. The Dutchman lost second place at the start because he had less grip on the right side of the grid. Because the RB16 also showed higher tyre wear, there appeared to have been no possibility of winning afterwards, even with the strategy. "
La Gazzetta Dello Sport - Italy
"Even the best can make mistakes. With a practice start in a place where it is not allowed, the Russian GP of Lewis Hamilton is practically over before it has started. Even Max Verstappen did not manage to break through the series of successes of Mercedes, because also in Sochi they are superior. For Max second place is good anyway. A fact was confirmed once again: as soon as a Mercedes gets into trouble, he is ready to take action."
AS - Spain
"A hard to explain penalty immediately ended Hamilton's race. Verstappen came in second, without having had a chance for more. Max's Red Bull was not fast enough. Hamilton's party to match Michael Schumacher's record. Lewis eventually finished third after his penalty because there is actually no way the Mercedes cannot stand on the podium."
L'Equipe - France
"With this penalty it was impossible to fight for the victory on the Russian circuit for Hamilton. Especially as he had to do his first stint on soft tyres, while Valtteri Bottas had the mediums. The Briton got off the starting blocks well and remained first. despite the long straight. In the end Bottas won, after taking the penalties by Hamilton, who outperformed Verstappen."