Valtteri Bottas set the fastest time in the second free practice session of the Russian Grand Prix. The Finnish driver was faster than teammate Lewis Hamilton who finished in second place.

Mercedes was the favourite prior to the race weekend on the circuit in Russia. The first two free practice sessions confirmed this, as the German racing team set the fastest lap times in both. Bottas managed to set the best time in the morning session, while he did the same in the afternoon.

Red Bull Racing had a lot more trouble with the track. Max Verstappen, who just before practice announced that he is changing his engine this weekend and will therefore start at the back of the grid next Sunday, set the sixth fastest time, while Sergio Pérez was right behind Charles Leclerc in eleventh. Pierre Gasly convinced with a third time.

Accident of Giovinazzi

After the second free practice was over half an hour old, Antonio Giovinazzi caused a red flag. The Italian drove hard into the wall, forcing all riders to come in. It took more than five minutes before the drivers were allowed back on track.