SOCHI, Russia — Team orders are an unfortunate part of Formula One, but Mercedes’ use of them at the Russian Grand Prix was entirely justified. Even Sebastian Vettel — the driver who arguably lost more from the decision than Valtteri Bottas — said as much after being dealt another hammer blow to his chances of a fifth world championship.
Once Lewis Hamilton had forced his way back into second position after a thrilling fight with Vettel, barring any unforeseen drama Mercedes looked certain to leave Sochi with 43 points regardless of which order its cars finished. The choice the team had was simple: whether Hamilton left with 18 (a gain of three points to third-placed Vettel) or 25 (a gain of 10 points). Mercedes chose the latter.
It has effectively given Hamilton a two-race buffer over Vettel with five left. He does not need to win another race to claim a fifth championship. In a season which has been as wildly unpredictable as 2018, the idea of leaving seven points on the table seems laughable. Hamilton will probably win the championship from this point but on Lap 50 of the German Grand Prix Vettel was probably going to win the race and a few weeks ago he was probably going to dominate the weekend in Singapore.
The way Mercedes executed this order was far from perfect but it had to be done: one victory in Sochi is nowhere near as valuable as a drivers’ championship.
Source: ESPN