Mercedes seal constructors’ title

However, Raikkonen’s ill-judged move on Bottas heading into turn four on the final lap saw the Finn handed a thirty second time penalty, meaning he was relegated to eighth, and thus handed the title to Mercedes; Raikkonen also had three points put on his Superlicence. I don’t know if he didn’t see me or expect me to go there.

It is the second year in succession that Mercedes has clinched the teams’ title in Russian Federation, having dominated the season with twelve wins from 15 rounds.

The stewards immediately began looking into the incident between Raikkonen and Bottas, while the calculators came out to determine that in the event of a penalty he would have to drop to at least eighth for Mercedes to claim the championship. “I passed him once before there and I was trying to pass. But I am not a steward”.

“I didn’t see anyone, I was in front then suddenly at the apex someone hits me”, an unhappy Bottas told Sky F1.

“To be running third and ending up with zero points is disappointing”.

This seemed possible with Nico Rosberg leading the early stages of the race and Lewis Hamilton second, however following a throttle related issue, Rosberg retired on lap eight handing Hamilton the lead but Ferrari a mathematical chance on taking the 2015 constructors trophy.

“There was a bit of rear wing instability and it was a little worrying but in the end it turned out ok”, said boss Toto Wolff.

But Hamilton’s day was not without a few drama itself, over fears his rear wing could snap.