The roles of Bottas and Hamilton in the Turkish race seemed the opposite of normal, writes HS sports journalist Jan Vilén.
Valtteri Bottas showed he could still drive at the sharpest point when he left Red Bull, which had risen to the top of the World Series Max Verstappen far behind in the Turkish race.
The victory came in need of both Bottas, teammate To Lewis Hamilton as well as Mercedes.
The victory gave the Finnish driver a lot of self-confidence, as so far the season had brought only one second place and seven third places.
For Hamilton and Mercedes, the most important thing in winning was eating points from Verstappen’s balance.
The victory also served as a small click in the direction of the stable, from which no further contract for Bottas was removed for next season. Bottas got to show what the stable is giving up.
Hamilton in turn, showed his mortality, which is rarely seen.
The seven-time world champion had to leave the race in 11 squares after an engine change.
He seemed to rise to the battle for the podium, but first lost the battle to Red Bull Sergio Perezille and eventually had to settle for fifth.
Fifth place in the defense of AlphaTaurin Pierre Gaslya against Hamilton was heard at the end of the race From Kimi Räikkönen borrowed toka.
“Leave me alone,” Hamilton said on stable radio when he was told Gasly was seconds away.
In Turkey, the roles of Bottas and Hamilton seemed to have changed from normal. It’s a lot of Bottas ’job to make sure the parts don’t return in two weeks at the Austin race.
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