Hamilton didn't want to be on the podium in Sochi

Author of pole position in Sochi, the Finn had mastered the start of the race and seemed to be heading towards a first success in 2018 when he received orders to let the second Silver Arrow pass. Lewis Hamilton, who was then riding with a problem with a rear tire and under pressure from his rival in the Drivers' standings Sebastian Vettel.

Despite a double Mercedes, the atmosphere was polar on the podium, the winner of the day trying to put on a good face by inviting the unfortunate Bottas to join him at the top of the podium and offering him the trophy reserved for first place.

“It was a very embarrassing situation, Hamilton said from Suzuka. I didn't know what to do and I didn't want to be there. I didn't feel at home on the top step of the podium. I did what was on my mind at the time.”

If the roles at Mercedes are clearly established, the four-time world champion ensures that he is not arriving in Japan “ telling me that Valtteri is at my service”.

Bottas, for his part, says he accepts the situation but refutes the idea that he must resign himself to waiting for his teammate to take the crown to have the right to win.

“It will depend on the situation, did he declare. Honestly, last weekend, if Lewis hadn't had that blistering problem and he wasn't under pressure with Sebastian behind, maybe the team wouldn't have resorted to the team's instructions. stable.

We judge on a case by case basis. I have to accept the situation because I am no longer in contention for the championship due to the problems I encountered at the start of the season.”

Unless Hamilton finds himself pushed back in the rankings, we still have the impression that Bottas will have to put a handkerchief to his pride and his ambitions until the coronation of his neighbor in the garage.