Valtteri Bottas says he “understands” Mercedes’ decision to instruct him to give up the lead of the Russian Grand Prix to Formula 1 teammate Lewis Hamilton. Having beaten Hamilton to pole position, Bottas comfortably led the opening stint and looked on course to claim his first victory of the season, until Mercedes used enforced team orders and told the Finn to concede his position at mid-distance. Mercedes explained the call was made to ensure Hamilton, struggling with blisters on his rear tyres, would be safe from any attack Vettel tried to mount, while victory enabled the Briton to edge closer to a fifth world championship title by extending his advantage to 50 points over the...
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