With Nico Rosberg retiring from the race and Ferrari finishing so high up the field, it was uncertain whether the World Constructors’ Championship would be awarded to Mercedes this weekend in Russia. A post-race penalty for Kimi Räikkönen has changed things.
It’s now official: with four rounds remaining in the season, Mercedes is the World Constructors’ Champions for the second consecutive season. Räikkönen was handed a 30 second time penalty from the stewards, dropping him from fifth position to eighth.
In the closing lap of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi, Räikkönen collided with Valtteri Bottas’ Williams. The pair were battling for third position, but the position was given to Sergio Pérez due to the damage to the Ferrari and Williams cars. Räikkönen was found to be at fault for the accident, having dived on the inside of the corner and causing a collision with Bottas.
After fifteen races, Mercedes has proved that they are the dominant team. The team has scored thirteen victories this season, eight of which were 1-2 finishes. Mercedes has been on pole in all of the races, except one. Their pace has been very fast, having set seven fastest laps so far. With a 172 point gap, it is possible for Ferrari to tie the championship in points, but Mercedes would win the tie breaker because they have more race victories.
The World Drivers’ Championship is still available. The big battle is between Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, with Hamilton 66 points in the lead. Nico Rosberg has fallen further out of the running, after dropping to third in the championship table. It’s possible that Hamilton can wrap up the title in the United States Grand Prix, so the Circuit of the Americas will play a vital role in the championship race.
