2018-12-31 06.45.25

Hamilton and Mercedes succeed in their toughest challenge yet by Keith Collantine (RaceFans)

Having largely dominated the V6 hybrid turbo era since it began in 2014, Mercedes were obvious favourites heading into the 2018 season. Ferrari, however, had the hardware to give them a serious run for their money.

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2018 was the first year that I really felt that Lewis Hamilton could lose the F1 world championship. Hopefully, Mercedes and the drivers have learned from the mistakes made and that both drivers and car have improved for 2019. But I must admit it was excited to see some of the races where I was not sure who would stand on the podium, Vettel, Hamilton, Kimi, etc.

Lewis and Valtteri and the Russian Grand Prix

Bottas hands Hamilton Russian GP win and 50-point lead by Keith Collantine (RaceFans)

Lewis Hamilton moved closer to clinching a fifth world championship victory after team mate Valtteri Bottas helped him to victory in the Russian Grand Prix.

 

The Mercedes driver briefly look in danger of losing ground to Sebastian Vettel the championship after he emerged from his sole pit stop behind the Ferrari driver. But Hamilton went on the attack quickly, dived down the inside of Vettel at turn four, and regained his lost place.

 

A few laps later Valtteri Bottas, who led the early stages of the race from pole position, let Hamilton by at turn 13. That put Hamilton on course to lead the race – but not until Max Verstappen had pitted.

Personally, I think Lewis should have given the position back to Valtteri. It would have made his championship run more challenging but isn’t this why they get paid the big bucks? I can’t help feeling like Valtteri was gypted.