It was expected that the battle between Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel in their respective Mercedes and Ferrari cars would be the subject of attention for the racing faithful this weekend in Russia.

And that is what turned out to be, but, with a twist in the tale!

Valtteri Bottas, who secured pole position on Saturday, began proceedings in a phenomenal manner, leading the race right from the start, with Hamilton and Vettel going head-to-head for second.

Mercedes managed a fine one-two spot as both Ferraris followed suite.

Bottas came in for his stop on lap 12 and Vettel a lap later. Meanwhile, Hamilton, who was setting the fastest sector times then, came into the pits with the Silver Arrows crew needing to time the stop perfectly to let the Brit rejoin the track ahead of Vettel.

However, Ferrari aced the move, as their German star surged past Hamilton near the pit exit, holding onto the second position at the first corner.

Hamilton made two failed attempts with Vettel aggressively defending, but the reigning world champion manoeuvred his way past his rival with only Bottas in front of him on lap 16.

The Finn significantly slowed down his pace with instructions on the radio echoed to let Hamilton past him near the half way point of the race.

Hamilton went on to register his eighth win of the campaign and is in a commanding position with only five races left and a massive 50-point lead over Vettel after the conclusion of the Russian GP.

With debate still at large over the ‘team orders’ scenario on Sunday, Vettel has given his insights into the matter, terming it as a ‘no brainer’.

The 31-year-old said: “Well done to both of them, they played together as a team very well.

“In their defence, all the questions – I know you guys love controversy so therefore ask naughty questions to them as individuals, but I think in the position they are, it's a no-brainer what they did today.

“Maybe not all the questions are justified.”

Bottas played a pivotal role, successfully shielding Vettel for the remainder of the race, helping Hamilton to gain victory this weekend.

There is still 125 points available in the season and Vettel is optimistic about what the future might hold.

“I'm clever enough, I wasn't a genius in maths but I was clever enough to pay attention to make out for myself that it's not getting easier if we lose points," continued the former world champion.

“We have to be happy with third, and settle with that for today.

“I still believe in our chance, yes. Obviously it's not getting bigger if you finish behind but who knows.

“It takes one DNF and all of a sudden things look different. Ideally two! Which I'm not wishing to Lewis, but you never know what happens.

“We need to stay on top of our game, which maybe we haven't been completely this weekend, and make sure from where we are now we focus on winning the last races.”

The rivalry resumes at the Japanese Grand Prix on October 7.