F1 Singapore GP: Weekend Awards

Special Recognition Award

The podium celebrations by the Mercedes boys were muted

I'm not going to beat around the bush here, Valtteri Bottas deserves something for his drive in Russia, and for his efforts this season. Bottas is somewhat of a specialist around Sochi, almost qualifying on pole at the inaugural race in 2014 and claiming his first Grand Prix win there last year. History appeared to be repeating itself too, as Bottas was in a net lead of the race with 25 laps gone after claiming pole on Saturday. To most fans' surprise, Valtteri was ordered to step aside and let Hamilton by for the net lead, an order that angered the Finn, but one he obeyed.

With a 40 point lead over Vettel going into the race and after Bottas was told to hold station in Germany, you'd think that Mercedes would let Valtteri have this victory, but you'd have been wrong. It's understandable from a team perspective, but after "wingman" comments from Toto Wolff and Bottas not having a won a race this year, it's a very bitter pill to swallow for Bottas.