©Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes (P12): 5/10
In case it wasn’t clear before, Lewis Hamilton’s Qatar Grand Prix underscored once again that his final season with Mercedes – his fabulous partner in crime during so many seasons – cannot end soon enough. Last Sunday’s ordeal for the seven-time world champion included a jump start, an unlucky puncture and a pitlane speeding infraction. Penalties – five seconds and a drive-through – were levied upon the Briton as warranted, leaving both his uncooperative W15 and his morale in the doldrums. At one point, Hamilton requested that he throw in the towel, only to rescind the suggestion when the team approved it. Ultimately, he dragged his W15 to the checkered flag but couldn't muster more than 12th place. Is Ferrari about to inherit a pale shadow of Hamilton's former self?
Valtteri Bottas, Sauber (P11): 8/10
Valtteri Bottas came tantalizingly close to ending his scoring drought in Qatar, battling hard to reach 10th after a fierce duel with Alex Albon. However, a charging Lando Norris quickly dashed those hopes, knocking Bottas out of the points with just four laps to go. While Sauber’s apparent improvement in pace is a small consolation, it’s a fitting summary of Bottas’ season that his efforts yielded little, leaving him at risk of finishing 22nd in a 20-car championship.
