| From subtle to blatant, from trivial to crucial, team orders in Formula 1 have always come in various forms and guises depending on the circumstances. The most controversial condition, the one typically – and understandably – denigrated by fans, is when the pitwall orders the worthy leader of a race to yield to his team mate and protect his edge in a title fight.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff applied the cold and strict logic associated with the championship’s outstanding accounts: a first place finish and its 25 points further augmented Hamilton’s cushion relative to arch-rival Sebastian Vettel at no extra cost for the team. The timing and circumstances of the decision were obviously imperfect, but once again, in itself it was a sound and rational choice which should suffer no discussion. Why? Because it’s all about business, not sport. It’s about winning races and championships, and getting the job done. It’s not about being impartial, nice to people and making sure everyone gets a shot at winning. The process however struck a nerve once again with the fan community and everyone seeking merit over manipulation, fairness over inequity.
It wasn’t a great situation for the Silver Arrows chief, but on the other hand he wasn’t the one who made Bottas a No 2 driver. We’re fans of the Finn, but at the end of the day, he has only himself to blame for being forced into the role of the subordinate. His inability this season to bat consistently above his average and remain on the heels of his team mate, in qualifying or race trim, was perhaps a subconscious component of Wolff’s decision-making process in Sochi. Bottas said it himself when the dust had settled: “Lewis is fighting for the championship and I’m not.” Enough said… On to Japan. Phillip van Osten |
