Formula 1 – 3 things we learned from the 2017 Russian GP. Beyond the final result, it was a positive weekend for Ferrari .

1. Very little to choose between Ferrari and Mercedes

In Sochi Scuderia Ferrari showed an impressive qualifying pace (managing to claim their first front row lockout since France 2008), but neither Kimi Raikkonen or Sebastian Vettel could do anything to stop Valtteri Bottas from keeping a healthy lead for the majority of the 52 laps after the Finn pulled off the perfect getaway to leapfrog the Scuderia cars at the start of the race.

The scoreboard now stands at 2-2 after four rounds of the 2017 Formula 1 season, as the two have noticeably distanced themselves from Red Bull and the rest of the teams in the paddock. The fraternity moves on to Spain in two weeks time – a track Mercedes have dominated for pace in recent seasons. It will be a sign of how far Scuderia Ferrari have truly come if the Maranello team wants to fight with its rival for the Fthey can beat titles this year. Beyond the final result, the weekend was indeed positive for the Scuderia. The SF70H car looked superbly balanced throughout and the drivers very comfortable with it. The victory was not forthcoming in Russia, but on this form in the high temperatures and higher degradation of Barcelona, Ferrari could be favourites in Spain.

2. The 2017 Russian GP will not go down as a classic

It is fair to say the new rules and regulations did not help in the attempt to increase overtaking and as a result close racing took a bit of a pounding in Russia. Not one official pass on track was recorded during the 52 lap race, and only pit-stops and a frantic start saw any changes in the order. The first corner of the Sochi track was again the centre of attention from the start, with Romain Grosjean and Joylon Palmer coming together in the concertina at the opening turn. With the next round in Barcelona also historically a quiet one in terms of overtaking and wheel to wheel action the new plans for 2017 could well come under scrutiny once more. Just as well there have been three different race winners from four races so far this year.

3. Kimi is back

A very solid race by Kimi Raikkonen after a difficult start of the season for the 2017 Formula One world champion, as the Finnish driver had not managed to score a podium finish until the race in Sochi. This time Kimi proved that he can still have a top performance and help Scuderia Ferrari in the fight for the Formula One World Constructors’ Championship, despite the fact that the Maranello team has lost the lead in the standings for the moment. Ferrari needs Kimi Raikkonen to constantly finish on the podium and the Finn showed that he is able to have a strong contribution this year.