On Sunday, we witnessed another white-knuckle Formula One performance by TIBCO partner Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas returned to the Shanghai International Circuit with their sights set on victory, as well as the pair of Ferraris just ahead of them in the front row of the grid.
After turning in his third Grand Slam performance during last year’s 2017 Chinese Grand Prix, expectations were high for Hamilton.
https://twitter.com/TIBCO/status/984902271287701505
As Bottas took up third position on the grid, he prepared to start his 100th career professional F1 race.
https://twitter.com/TIBCO/status/985361307506376705
The race started with a fantastic first lap, shuffling positions and advancing Bottas to P2 and dropping Hamilton back to P5.
LIGHTS OUT!!!The Ferraris get close on the run down to Turn 1! Valtteri into P2, Lewis slips down to fifth! #DrivenByEachOther #ChineseGP
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) April 15, 2018
As the race continued, a collision between Scuderia Torro Rosso teammates required a Safety Car, allowing only Renault and Red Bull the chance to stop into the pit for a fresh set of tires.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/985415296554033152
While Bottas and Hamilton were able to hang on to their position for several laps, the unexpected pit stop gave Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo the extra traction needed to pull ahead.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/985420950006128640
And while it was a tough fight to the finish…
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/985423876199940097
Bottas crossed the line in second place, with Hamilton in fourth.
https://twitter.com/ValtteriBottas/status/985532684213587969
https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton/status/985487921254948864
With many elements of the race to be happy about, and opportunities to analyze data and make improvements, Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport will undoubtedly continue to make 2018 a Formula One season to remember!
https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/985926050147454976
Learn more about TIBCO’s partnership with Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport that provides the team with a data-driven competitive edge.
