Lewis Hamilton limits damage to F1 title defense as Valtteri Bottas wins Turkish Grand Prix
That ensured Pink Bull driver Verstappen regained the lead over the seven-time world champion within the drivers’ championship standings by six factors.
“It was not straightforward as we speak, the observe was greasy and we needed to handle the tyres the entire race,” Verstappen instructed the F1 web site. “Valtteri had a bit extra tempo, however we’re glad to complete second — it is simple to get it improper and drop again.”
Sergio Perez, within the different Pink Bull, completed third with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in fourth.
Hamilton pitted on lap 51 of the 58-lap race for brand new tires — a choice by the Mercedes staff that did not go down effectively with the 36-year-old driver.
“We should not have are available in. Huge graining man. I instructed you!!” mentioned a testy Hamilton over the Mercedes staff radio.
‘Extensive open championship’
Nonetheless Mercedes staff principal Toto Wolff mentioned that the staff orders had been right.
“He (Hamilton) did not see how a lot he was dropping off in lap time and he did not see (Charles) Leclerc dropping off,” mentioned Wolff. “It was clear if he had stayed out he would have misplaced to Gasly anyway.
“The proper name would have most likely been to take it very conservative and pitting when everybody pitted for the intermediates however that’s in hindsight after the race.
“The relative perspective is that within the final race Pink Bull was very glad solely shedding seven factors from a grid penalty and we misplaced eight factors as we speak.
“So it isn’t the tip of the world. Absolutely the perspective is that we might most likely have scored anther three, 4, 5 factors extra General that is okay. It is broad open the championship.”
There are six extra races with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wrapping up the 2021 season on December 12.
“It has been some time nevertheless it feels good,” Bottas instructed the F1 web site after securing his first win of the season.
“From my aspect, among the finest races I’ve had — every part was below management. Every part went easy for as soon as for me.”
