F1 | Bottas-Perez, the redemption of the second leaders in Türkiye

Ransom is the most appropriate word to underline the excellent proof that Valtteri Bottas e Sergio Perez they competed in the last world championship event, which took place last Sunday at Istanbul Park. A GP, that of Turkey, full of dangers due to the variable weather conditions which however did not affect the two standard bearers of Mercedes and Red Bull. Both had come from difficult months where theirs had been called into question status and their task, especially in a World Cup where their respective teammates are playing for the title on the smallest details. And that of second guides certainly cannot be a marginal role in a championship that is played on the edge of thousandths.

Now a former Mercedes player, Bottas could have experienced these last races with the Star without stimulation and instead on Turkish soil the future top driver of Alfa Romeo Racing made his voice heard by winning a race that he never questioned. Taking advantage of Hamilton's penalty, which also earned him pole position, VB77 practically led a race from start to finish where Max Verstappen never managed to worry him.

A sign of the excellent feeling that Bottas managed to create in Turkey with the single-seater which earned him the top step of the podium that had been missing from his trophy cabinet for a good year. A leap of pride from the Finn, too often mistreated by the critics, who with the excellent performance in Istanbul may have rediscovered those preparatory stimuli for the next adventure in Hinwil.

From cold Bottas al hot Perez who, with the same rank as Mercedes, ended a negative period that began after the Paul Ricard race. Among other things, it coincided with his last appearance on the podium before Istanbul. In fact, after France, where Perez arrived with the success of Baku as a gift, he had played races that were not up to par - compared to the efficiency of the vehicle available - which however had not prevented him from obtaining a renewal with Red Bull who preferred to give him confidence rather than rolling yet another head next to Max Verstappen.

In Turkey we finally saw a combative Perez again, a quality that influenced the Mexican's career, and dedicated to the cause as happened in the tight duel (even if he came out defeated) with Lewis Hamilton. And who knows whether the two performances seen in Turkey are a prologue to a final part of the season to be experienced on the front line. Mercedes and Red Bull would be happy. Even more so Hamilton and Verstappen who rely on the precious help of their teammates to take points away from their rival.

Piero Ladisa

Follow @PieroLadisa