Russian Grand Prix report card: Kevin Magnussen superb despite chaotic start

Renault Sport F1 Team's Danish driver Kevin Magnussen steers his car during the Formula One Russian Grand Prix at the Sochi Autodrom circuit on May 1, 2016. AFP/ALEXANDER NEMENOV

• Full report: Nico Rosberg wins seventh straight race

Another race, another win for Nico Rosberg, his seventh straight. What does The National’s Formula One writer Graham Caygill have to say about the Russian Grand Prix? Here is his report card.

Star performer

Kevin Magnussen (Renault)

Yes, there was chaos at the start that took a lot of faster drivers out of contention, but seventh place for the Dane in a car in which he had qualified in 17th place was a superb performance.

Underperformer

Daniil Kvyat (Red Bull Racing)

Unfairly maligned by Sebastian Vettel in China, the Russian deserves all the criticism he will get for missing his braking point at the start and hitting the German’s Ferrari, which wrecked both their races.

Key moment

Lewis Hamilton’s overtake on Valtteri Bottas after making his first pit stop, as he exploited the superior pace of his Mercedes-GP on harder tyres, ensured he would complete a fine recovery drive to finish second behind teammate Nico Rosberg.

Our verdict

A procession at the front once Hamilton had got to second, with Rosberg again untouchable at the front. With their nearest rivals continuing to make mistakes the Mercedes domination of the 2016 season goes on.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport