2014 Russian Grand Prix - driver reaction
The 21 drivers have their say on the inaugural race in Sochi
Sunday 12 October 2014 17:32, UK
The 21 drivers have their say on the 53 laps of action in Sochi where Lewis Hamilton took victory and Mercedes sealed the Constructors' Championship.
Red Bull
Daniel Ricciardo: “The first few laps were pretty hectic and we lost a few places at the start. We will have to have a look at that, it’s nearly the end of the season now, but we haven’t had many good starts so that’s a bit frustrating.
“Starting the race the tyre was already blistered, it had quite a bit from qualifying, so it wasn’t looking too healthy and the first stint made it worse; I could see it starting to come apart, so we had to pit quiet early. Then on the prime the tyre lasted well and we had good pace and could match Alonso, but couldn’t get past. Congrats to Mercedes – it’s been a dominant season by them, so hats off to them.”
Sebastian Vettel: “I had a good start and then a tough battle with Daniel, but from then onwards the speed was nothing special, we had the same issues as we had in qualifying. I was alone for a lot of the race, the beginning was entertaining, but after that it wasn’t that busy. Congratulations to Mercedes on the title, they deserve it.”
Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton: “It was a good day and an amazing weekend. Firstly I'm so proud to have contributed to the work of this great team, to get the first Constructors' Championship for Mercedes-Benz is a huge achievement. Massive congratulations to the guys back in the UK and Germany, it's history for us.
“Today I had to manage the tyres a lot through the race; managing the fuel wasn't too bad. The car felt great and I didn't have to push too hard. At the end, when Nico was behind, I needed to match his times, which I did. I've thoroughly enjoyed the weekend here in Russia, it's a great place. It's been one of my favourite venues so far this year, so it's very cool to have won the first race here.
“The fans have been amazing; I didn't know so many people followed it here but they were all there in the grandstands and looked excited! The organisers have also done a great job - the layout, the surface and the whole event; I take my hat off to them.”
Nico Rosberg: “We are World Champions! I feel so happy for the team and the whole Mercedes-Benz family, today we made history. Thanks to everybody for their efforts, also thanks to the husbands and wives to send us your partners to make this happen. I remember well the hard times we had in this team. So now it's great to be so dominant in our sport. But I'm also divided. Today was a really tough race for me. I just messed up in the first corner. I simply braked too late, which was unnecessary.
“So I flat spotted my front tyres and it was impossible to continue due to the vibrations. I had to pit, and on the prime tyre I had great pace. In the middle of the race I thought the degradation would start to increase. But very soon it was stable and I was able to push a lot. Then I managed to overtake Bottas. Also still at the end I was able to push, but the team asked me to control the pace as everyone was worried about dropping at the very end of the race. P2 was damage limitation. I really look forward to the last 3 races of the year with this outstanding championship car.”
Ferrari
Fernando Alonso: “Today’s race fol
