Russian Grand Prix 2018 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton inherited victory at a controversial Russian Grand Prix after Valtteri Bottas was ordered to move aside for his teammate under team orders, securing a crucial win that brought Hamilton to within two races of clinching his fifth World Championship. The race at Sochi sparked fierce debate about team orders and Mercedes' management of their drivers.

Valtteri Bottas started from pole position and led the opening stint comfortably, but Mercedes issued controversial team orders instructing the Finn to let Hamilton past to maximize points against Sebastian Vettel. Bottas reluctantly complied, moving aside to allow Hamilton to take the lead and eventually the victory. The decision was influenced by Vettel's strong third-place position and the championship mathematics. Bottas set the fastest lap as consolation, while Vettel finished third for Ferrari, unable to challenge the dominant Mercedes duo.

The team orders decision highlighted the ruthless pragmatism of Mercedes' approach to securing both championships. With Hamilton extending his lead to 50 points over Vettel with just five races remaining, the Drivers' Championship was all but decided. Bottas' sacrifice demonstrated his supporting role in the team, though the Finn's disappointment was evident. Ferrari's inability to compete with Mercedes' pace at Sochi confirmed that Vettel's title challenge had effectively ended, leaving only the mathematical formality of Hamilton's coronation.