Max Verstappen already knows where he will start the Russian Grand Prix. The Dutchman has a new engine in his Red Bull Racing RB16B and will start from the last row of the grid. Helmut Marko is not planning to take any risks with Verstappen during qualifying.

Calm qualification for Verstappen

He announced this in an interview with Sky Deutschland. Marko doesn't see the point of taking unnecessary risks now, while Verstappen will start from the back of the grid anyway. The Austrian advisor of Red Bull has put his hopes mainly on the qualities of Sergio Perez during qualifying.

Marko had expected Hamilton to replace his engine as well as Verstappen in Sochi, as Mercedes have been very strong on the Russian circuit in recent years. Despite this not happening, Marko thinks there is still a chance that it happens after qualifying.

Leclerc also starts from the back

Verstappen is not the only one who already knows where he will start. Charles Leclerc also has a new engine in his Ferrari, so he will join the Dutchman on the last row of the grid.