Hamilton makes pessimistic Russian GP prediction

Joas van Wingerden Saturday 29 September 2018 12:05

Hamilton makes pessimistic Russian GP prediction

Lewis Hamilton has warned that the Russian Grand Prix could be a "boring" affair for fans, predicting that teams will be more concerned with managing tyre degradation than racing flat out at the Sochi Autodrom. Last year's Russian race featured just one overtake after the opening lap.

The Singapore Grand Prix was a similar story a fortnight ago, with Hamilton managing hypersoft tyres from the front after a blistering qualifying performance.

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Given the track's notorious reputation, and teams' desperation to pull off a one-stop strategy, Hamilton does not believe Sunday's race will be much cop.

"As soon as you get within a few seconds of another car it's pretty difficult to even get close," he said.

"Even with a tyre difference. I was trying to catch someone that was on soft tyres and I was on hypers.

Flat out in Sochi @MercedesAMGF1 ???? x @LATimages pic.twitter.com/cTnU52evlc — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) September 28, 2018

"That's the bad thing about this track, unfortunately. I don't really know what they can to do make it better.

"Unfortunately it's most likely going to be something like a one-stop race which means it's going to be boring for the fans.

"Immediately I already know it's going to be boring because it's so hard to follow."

MORE: Verstappen: I'm here to win, not like Renault
MORE: Hamilton bullish despite past Sochi struggles

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