Raikkonen's demotion to eighth after a 30-second penalty was
added to his race time means the Silver Arrows cannot be caught at the top of
the constructors' championship with four races remaining.
Mercedes also secured the teams' title at last year's race
in Sochi, the first in their F1 history.
The German manufacturers have become the ninth team in
history to win two or more constructors' titles on the spin and Lewis Hamilton,
whose 25 points for the race win clinched the crown, paid effusive tribute to
his colleagues.
"To get the constructors' championship feels very
special and a great feeling to be a part of this and to have contributed to the
team's success," said Hamilton, who is on course to make it back-to-back
title doubles for the Brackley team at the next race in Austin.
Champagne time for the race winner and the two-time
constructors' champions
Champagne time for the race winner and the two-time
constructors' champions
"It's really an amazing feeling and I'm very proud of
them up there on the podium, to see all their smiling faces. I feel like a
small part in the chain of many people; I'm proud of that part and I look
forward to seeing the whole team tomorrow at the factory. I knew the guys were
going to do a good job this year but they've done an even better job this year
than last, which is phenomenal."
The Brackley team have won 12 of this season's 15 races and
team boss Toto Wolff said: "A world championship isn't just about points
on a scoreboard, it's about many hours of hard work and sacrifice from every
single member of the team, most of whom are away from the limelight and work
with incredible dedication six or seven days a week. Well done to every one of
them in Brackley, Brixworth and Stuttgart; you have done a sensational
job."
Mercedes' celebrations had been on hold in the immediate
aftermath of the Sochi race while the stewards investigated the last-lap crash
between Finnish pair Raikkonen and Bottas.
0 comments:
Post a Comment