Russian Grand Prix driver ratings
The 2021 Russian GP was decided by late-arriving rain that allowed some to climb and caused others to plummet. But the events which played out beforehand are equally significant when considering the all-important driver ratings
Lewis Hamilton – 8
His qualifying pitlane crash must go down as a 'major error' despite it being the result of a small slip, particularly as it played such a role in losing the tyre temperature needed to have any shot at pole. Raced smartly and carefully early on, then charged well in clear air and listened to his team wisely over the inters switch, which combine to earn him a mark back.
Max Verstappen – 9
Like Hamilton, for once an amazing result rested on circumstances unfurling ahead – but he gains a mark because it was his call on when to take the inters that got him onto the podium. Obviously a qualifying non-factor with his engine-change penalty, then showed typical excellent racecraft in the first stint. Couldn't really be blamed for his stint two mediums giving up considering the work they'd done.
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