The Russian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling affair. While Lewis Hamilton will try to overtake Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and George Russell, Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Valtteri Bottas will have to try to finish in the points from the back.
LIVEBLOG | Race of the 2021 Russian Grand Prix
Prior to the GP it seemed that Mercedes would take the first two starting positions. Nothing was further from the truth, however, as the German team was unable to set the best times due to the weather conditions. Hamilton ended up fourth, while Bottas even had to settle for seventh.
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Due to Bottas' disappointing position, Mercedes decided to make an engine change this weekend, meaning he will start the race in 17th position. Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi and Verstappen will start behind him, giving Bottas a slight advantage.
Norris put in an excellent performance during qualifying, setting the fastest time and grabbing pole position. Sainz and Russell also stood out, finishing second and third on the grid respectively. Sergio Pérez couldn't get any further than ninth on the starting grid.
Russian Grand Prix history
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Mercedes are unbeaten in Russia. They have won all seven races at the current venue, plus two races held in the 1910s. It has been one of Valtteri Bottas' best venues in Formula 1. He has won twice, which perhaps should've been three times without team orders with Hamilton. He won his first Grand Prix in Sochi in 2017, and his last win came in the 2020 edition.
Pole position has only won twice. With Nico Rosberg in 2016, and Hamilton in 2014. Red Bull have only been on the podium once and that came in 2020 through Max Verstappen. Traditionally, Ferrari have been closest to Mercedes in Russia. The Italian team stood on the podium six times. Williams and Force India are the other teams with podiums here.