At the Russian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton’s attempt to match Michael Schumacher’s 91 race victories was thwarted by a 10 – second penalty.
The world champion, who started at the pole, before starting the race, when he started two practices in an ‘undecided’ area through the pit lane exit.
Because the race was only a few laps old, the stewards were fined five seconds for each violation.
Lewis Hamilton finished third in the Russian Grand Prix after conceding a penalty five seconds.
Britain started from pole position to match Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 Grand Prix victories
Penalties associated with starting a workout in the wrong place for going to the grid before Sunday’s race
Hamilton was outraged, calling the decision a ‘bull ****’ and asking: ‘Where is it in the rulebook?’
Since he asked: ‘FIA has failed to comply with the provisions contained in Article 12.1.1 (i) of the International Sporting Code, Event Notes (v3) Item 19.1, Practice Start Location and Article 36.1 FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations. ‘
Sure it seemed like a tough call, it was silly and boring, but since they were written the rules could not be avoided.
Before the verdict came, the stewards saw video evidence.
Voltaire Botas took advantage of Hamilton’s mistake to maintain his slim hopes of winning the World Championship.
Botas beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Mercedes team member Hamilton
Punishment denies Britain victory – Mercedes teammate Valteri Botas records second win of the season. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second and Hamilton third.
All the excitement was an anti-climactic end to a weekend focused on Schumacher’s landmark 91 wins. It was tough in Hamilton too, because he asked his pit wall experts if it was right to start training. Race engineer Peter Bonnington told him yes.
Later, when Hamilton received the news of the sentence, he became indignant: ‘What happened?’
After 16 of the 53 laps, Mercedes brought him in for new tires. There he spent time in hockey. ‘It’s ridiculous, man,’ he said as he sat down.
Hamilton got off to a great start from the pole, and Botas (right) joined the team, overtaking Verstappen.
Botas advanced to the second, but could not maintain the lead as a member of the team exited the corner.
At the start of the race in Sochi, Hamilton took the lead from the polar position to Botas and Verstappen.
With more than half a minute to go from Botas, he finished 11th and his chances of victory were good.
He lamented his lot. ‘Why did you stop me earlier?’ He asked. ‘I have to handle (my tires). I will fight to end it. ‘
He said of Verstappen’s latest time: ‘I don’t need more information, Bono. There is no difference in that. ‘
He escaped with a penalty point on the license for each illegal start, making him 10th in the calendar year. Two for each would take him to 12 and a race ban.
He needs to see his PS and Q in the next four matches: Germany, Imola, Portugal and Turkey.
Hamilton’s frustration was shown after the race when he was accused of handing him the punishment of conspiring against him.
McLaren ‘s Spanish driver, Carlos Sains, crashed into a barrier that ran wide in the opening lap at the second bend.
The Lance Stroller at Racing Point was also involved in the first lap crash that the safety car in Sochi did.
During his only pit stop, Hamilton awarded his five second penalty, which was won by the Russian GP.
I’m sure no one has ever received two or five second penalties for such a ridiculous thing, he told Sky Sports, ‘I don’t risk anyone. I’ve done this on a million tracks over the years, of which I have never been questioned, but this is it. ‘
He added that the penalty points awarded to him were excessive: ‘Of course. But that is to be expected. Aren’t they trying to stop me? But no problem, I just have to lower my head and focus and we will see what happens. ‘
Hamilton had run well before Kerffill. He regained the lead outside the next bend as Botas briefly pulled past the second corner of the race.
A security car was released after McLaren’s Carlos Science and Racing Point’s Lance Stroller crashed on the opening lap. Resume Hamilton handled well and maintained the lead.
Still, he leads Botas with 44 points from 10 of 17 games.
Russian Grand Prix How to unfold live …
Lewis Hamilton, who is aiming for a draw with Michael Schumacher’s 91 wins in his career at the Russian Grand Prix, will start at the pole.
In Saturday’s dramatic qualifying session, Hamilton set the fastest time again when Max Verstappen pushed Voltaire Botas into second place.
In another record, Sport മറ്റൊരുs Mail will provide live Formula One coverage from Sochi as Hamilton Homes.
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