Valtteri Bottas claims the circumstances that Mercedes used to activate team orders was “confusing” during the Russian Grand Prix.
The Finn maintained the lead off the start from pole and through the pit-stop phase but with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel battling close behind, team boss Toto Wolff and chief strategist James Vowles asked Valtteri to let Lewis past on Lap 25 citing a blister on the Briton’s left-rear tyre.
He would comply but in the closing laps asked if the two cars would be swapping positions back to give him the win, the answer was no leading to awkward scenes on the podium.
“It was slightly confusing,” Bottas told Autosport. “It was not something we had planned. Normally we go through everything before the race, all the scenarios, and how we would react to those things.
“What happened today, we could never expect that to happen and it was very suddenly I got the call.
“I definitely didn’t expect it, that’s why it was a little bit confusing.”
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It was an outcome that should have been expected, however, with Hamilton, while sympathetic, making the point very clear.
“Obviously he is not fighting for the championship, whereas we are,” he said.
“Usually, we would be elated but I can understand how difficult it was for Valtteri but really he did a fantastic job and he deserved to win, but championship-wise, as a team we are trying to win both championships.
“I think today was a real team effort. Whilst it doesn’t feel spectacular, I know he is going to do great in races to come.”
Mercedes boss Wolff also stood by unpopular decision…
“Somebody needs to be the baddie sometimes, and it’s me today,” he said.
“You need to weigh it up. What do I opt for, to be the baddie on Sunday evening, or do I want to be the idiot in Abu Dhabi at the end of the season?
“I’d rather be the baddie today than the idiot at the end of the year.”