This archive report was first published on 29 September 2019.
Hamilton Wins in Russia After Vettel Ignores Team Orders ¶
On September 29, 2019, Lewis Hamilton secured his first win in four grands prix at the Russian Grand Prix, after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc lost the lead due to a virtual safety car caused by Sebastian Vettel's engine failure.
Hamilton's victory inched him closer to a sixth world title and came after Ferrari's chances of victory fell apart following a controversy over Vettel disobeying team orders.
According to a pre-race plan, Ferrari intended for Leclerc to tow Vettel down into the first corner to remove the risk of Hamilton taking the lead. Leclerc played his side of the bargain, but once Vettel was in the lead, he refused a demand to let his team-mate back past him.
Leclerc recovered first place when he was pitted four laps earlier and allowed to benefit from fresher tyres. However, Vettel's engine developed a problem in its hybrid system on his first lap out of the pits, leading to the virtual safety car being deployed.
It was bad timing for Ferrari, as the virtual safety car allowed Hamilton to stop and lose far less time than under racing conditions, allowing him to keep the lead. Leclerc then lost second place as well when George Russell crashed with an apparent braking problem.
Mercedes were able to deliver their first one-two since the British Grand Prix back in mid-July, with Hamilton scoring an extra point for fastest lap. His championship lead is now at 73 points, mathematically securing the title at the next race in Japan.
