2020 Russian GP - Sochi

[Nitrodaze]

We head to Sochi on the back of a recovery weekend for Mercedes at Mugello. A race that was a nightmare for Verstapenn as he saw himself slip back to 3rd, as Bottas recovered the 2nd spot in the driver's championship. The gap between Hamilton and his direct competition has stretched out to over fifty points, with Verstapenn looking increasingly out of contention for the driver's title.

This is a Mercedes track and is typically a Bottas track. This is the best chance for Bottas to recover lost points from Hamilton and possibly re-ignite his driver championship chances. This is a race that Verstapenn would dearly like to win and the track may suit this season's Redbull car. It may be a close race between Mercedes and Redbull. This race also presents Albon with a great chance to seize 4th place in the driver's championship.

The Renaults may go very well here as well. Hence it may present Mclaren an opportunity to consolidate 3rd in the constructors championship.

F1 CEO Chase Carey departs F1 from next season. Rumours suggest former Ferrari team boss Stefano Domenicalli shall replace him. I think we should pay tribute to Mr Carey for the brilliant work he has done, especially in this very difficult season, navigating the sport through COVID-19 and somehow managing to stitch together a championship. I think he has made an important mark on the present and future of the sport.

This news raises the concern for future of F1. Concord agreement has been signed by all teams but the regime of the new regulations seem to not have the full support of the entire grid. Concern of "quick sand" effect occurring at the start of the new regulation with some teams departing or covertly withdrawing by selling out to new owners is looking highly likely.

We have seen this with Williams, Mercedes may possibly do the same.