It's a very strange move by Mercedes to have Valtteri Bottas start from the back for the second race in a row. Especially since Sochi is normally one of the best circuits for the Finn. Yet he will start from 17th on Sunday afternoon and Mercedes have confirmed that it is a "tactical move", as Max Verstappen will start from 20th.
On Twitter, Mercedes says that "the team has taken the tactical opportunity to add another engine in Valtteri Bottas' pool for the rest of the season." They don't say directly that this will stop Red Bull Racing's plans, but with Lewis Hamilton starting from P4 they will want to do everything they can to keep Verstappen from scoring points in Russia.
Start with Verstappen from the back
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As a result, Verstappen will not only have to pass Charles Leclerc in the opening stages, but also Bottas. Otherwise, the Dutchman would probably only have had to deal with the Finn halfway through the race, around the podium positions. Now Bottas has most likely been given the task of forming a blockade for Verstappen, preventing him from making a quick advance.
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Japanese Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
02:30 AM
Practice 2
06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
02:30 AM
Qualification
06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
05:00 AM
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
Sat 02:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
Sun 05:00 AM
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 51 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 47 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 34 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 33 | |
5 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 15 | |
7 | AlpineALP | 9 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 8 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 8 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 4 |
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