Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff admitted the decision to take victory away from Valtteri Bottas at the Russian Grand Prix was deflating for his team, but also necessary for Lewis Hamilton's championship fight.
Mercedes ordered Bottas to move over and give the lead of the race to teammate Hamilton on lap 25, which the four-time world champion then converted into a victory and a 50-point lead in the championship over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.
Bottas, who is out of championship contention, asked if the positions would be swapped back before the chequered flag but was told the swap would be explained to him after the race.