WATCH: Mercedes Pitstop Blunder Costs George Russell Dearly During Sakhir GP
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via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – December 5, 2020 Mercedes’ George Russell celebrates after qualifying in second position Pool via REUTERS/Tolga Bozoglu
Mercedes lost an important advantage as the team saw an unbelievable blunder at the pits. The team double-stacked the pit stop. First came in George Russell followed Valtteri Bottas. When Bottas came in, the team realized that they put in the wrong tyre for Russell.
They took 27.4 seconds to change Bottas’ tyres to the right one again. Bottas came out in P4 after the pit stop catastrophe. Russell was called in once again to replace the wrong tyres he went out on, leaving him at an unfortunate P5.
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The double stack and the double box for Russell took away the advantage from Mercedes. The P1 and P2 drivers fell back to P5 and P4.
MORE- WATCH: Max Verstappen and Leclerc Crash Out of Sakhir GP After A Chaotic Start
George Russell makes a comeback
After the pit stop catastrophe, George Russell showed what was made of. The radio explained that they will have a massive tyre advantage.
Not good. A late double-stack sees us put a mixed set on George. He had to box again.
VB stays on the Hards after a long stop. #SakhirGP pic.twitter.com/1LZ9prr1fS
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) December 6, 2020
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Meanwhile, George Russell showed his unbelievable race craft. He overtook the Finn before making a move on Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon to climb up to P2 position within one single lap.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – Sakhir Grand Prix – Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain – December 6, 2020 Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas in action during the race Pool via REUTERS/Giuseppe Cacace
Unfortunately, George Russell found himself out of the points finish. The Briton was chasing down Sergio Perez. However, faced a rear puncture and had to box once again. He came out of the pit stop, dropping down to P14 from P1.
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Russell did a stellar job, but his unfortunate luck denied him a well-deserved podium. He only managed a P9 finish this weekend. He was gutted at the result. He looked set to win his first-ever race, but it just wasn’t his day.
Meanwhile, Sergio Perez won his first-ever Grand Prix after falling back to the last position during the first lap. The Mexican is still without a Formula 1 seat next season. He made a jump to P4 of the drivers standings. He will look forward to finishing the season at a high and secure a seat in Formula 1.
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