Mercedes again supreme: "Not good news for Verstappen fans"

Red Bull Racing seems to be facing a relatively tough weekend in Russia. Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon could so no better than seventh and 12th respectively during FP2 in Sochi.

"We don't have good news for the Verstappen fans," state the analysts of Auto, Motor und Sport at the end of the second free practice session. "At the first attempt the Dutchman complained about a lack of grip. At the second attempt with the softs things went a little better in the first two sectors, but at the exit of turn 14 he accelerated a little too early."

It led to a spin and therefore, Verstappen's seventh place is not entirely representative. However, it is clear that the Milton Keynes-based team has a lot of work to do tonight. "Albon's P12 shows that the RB16 has not yet found its usual pace."

Mercedes seems to be preparing for a seventh win in a row in Russia on the basis of the first two free practice sessions. The difference with Red Bull is immense and other teams also seem unable to threaten Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas this weekend.