Lewis Hamilton wins a Formula 1 race for the 100th time. In the World Championship standings it remains dramatically tight because Max Verstappen does not let himself be left behind despite a major disadvantage and comes in second.
In the end, the rain also helped Lewis Hamilton. A late tire change ultimately ensures the Formula 1 world champion’s jubilee victory at the Formula 1 race in Russia. The Mercedes driver has already won the premier motorsport class 100 times, but the road to his eighth world title is still a long one. Because the challenger just can’t be left behind.
Lewis Hamilton is a living legend
The Briton, 36 years old, set the next super record in Sochi. He won the 100th Grand Prix victory of his career. That is an almost astronomical number in Formula 1. Michael Schumacher has made it to the top of the podium 91 times. Third place in the statistics is Sebastian Vettel with 53 wins. If Hamilton ends up being world champion for the eighth time, he will definitely be the greatest Formula 1 driver that has ever existed and will certainly not be back anytime soon. Hamilton only has to beat rival Max Verstappen in the world championship fight, who is not bad either.
In the title fight, it remains tight until the end
Two points ahead after 15 races of the season do not give any security. Hamilton remains challenged in the remaining seven races of the season and cannot afford any mistakes. Although Max Verstappen was the last to start in Sochi on Sunday after an engine penalty, he was still second in his Red Bull and only lost seven points. “There is no question that it will be very tough,” said the 36-year-old Hamilton. Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff expects a steady “back and forth” in the next few weeks.
The Formula 1 season is a spectacle
Boring races seem to be a thing of the past in Formula 1. Daniel Ricciardo, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon – the list of surprise winners in 2021 is already long. It was almost enough for super talent Lando Norris in Sochi. There was a lot of drama on a track that in the past mostly stood for sheer boredom. Not only the close World Championship fight contributes to a thrilling season. With a view to the coming year and the completely new regulations, there is great hope that it will continue for a long time.
McLaren is pushing back to the top
In the end, Lando Norris left the paddock completely disappointed. The 21-year-old Brit first sensationally steered his McLaren to pole position and one day later his first Grand Prix victory was right in front of his eyes. But because he didn’t change his tires when it started to rain, he fell back to seventh place. Despite the setback, it is clear: The ex-world championship team is becoming more and more of a threat to the top. “He will win many more races,” said Hamilton to Norris. Two weeks ago, Norris finished second behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in Monza.
Sebastian Vettel is stuck in no man’s land
Perhaps ex-world champion Sebastian Vettel would have taken a world championship point without the final rain shower. But because he, like Norris, did not pit, it was only enough for twelfth place. “The risk was rewarded today, unfortunately not in our direction,” said the Aston Martin driver. After around two thirds of the season, 35 World Championship points are a very poor result overall. The 34-year-old from Heppenheim remains twelfth in the overall ranking.
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
