The weekend started with a minor controversy surrounding Hamilton, after he was excused from the media day on Thursday to attend the Paris fashion show and the memorial service for the late fashion mogul Karl Lagerfeld.

Some felt this was another example of Hamilton being allowed to make his own rules, and dodge some responsibilities that he might not particularly enjoy.

For Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff, though, it is “about creating an environment in which he can perform at his best”.

And Wolff tried to throw in a bit of perspective about the level at which Hamilton is operating – and the respect he feels he deserves for it.

“In general, in the UK, Lewis is not recognised how he should be recognised,” Wolff said. “One day he will stop his career with multiple records and people will say he was the greatest driver on the planet and we were witnesses on that journey and wasn’t he an interesting personality with all the things he did apart [from F1]?

“But for whatever reason, there is this idea of hitting out. And maybe it provides a better headline or gives more clicks or sells more newspapers. But I don’t think it recognises the opportunity we are part of to see maybe the best driver that has ever existed on an exceptional journey.”

After sitting opposite Hamilton in debriefs for two and a half years now, poring over his data, seeing the differences between them, Bottas does not need to be reminded of the challenge in front of him. But even if he looked a broken man after the race, he is still saying all the right things.

“I just need to reflect on this weekend on why Lewis was quicker today and yesterday in qualifying,” Bottas said. “It’s something I need to look at. He was really strong and consistent today, and also yesterday in qualifying. He’s not unbeatable; I know that. I just need to work hard.

“Many races to go; no point in giving up on anything. You never know what can happen in the championship. The last three weekends have not been ideal in terms of points but not a disaster.

“I feel in a good place and still strong and quick. I just need to learn from this weekend and trust me it will be good.”

At first glance, France looks to have been a pretty dark weekend for Ferrari. Not only were they destroyed on track, but they failed in their attempt to get Vettel’s ‘victory’ in Canada reinstated.