Former World Champion sees 'changing of the guard' in F1 after Russian GP

The Russian Grand Prix weekend threw many surprises in Formula 1. A wet qualifying session produced a mixed-up grid for the race, but rain at the end meant that Lewis Hamilton secured his 100th career win in the sport. 

Former World Champion Damon Hill believes the Russian Grand Prix marked a change in the guard for Formula 1. The event saw 21-year-old Lando Norris on pole position, with Carlos Sainz alongside on the front row. George Russell started from third place. 

Wet qualifying

"I think it's fantastic to see opportunities for guys to show what they can do. A wet qualifying session and suddenly they are there. And then they're leading, not just up there enjoying the scenery. It's fantastic," Hill said on Sky Sports.

"So many hungry guys in F1. We are seeing a slight changing of the guard, Lewis is not completely finished yet but he's 36. You've got guys in their 20s coming up who are impatient and they want to get their hands on the best equipment they can."

Next generation

Over the last couple of years, Max Verstappen has been the leader of the next generation. The Dutchman already has 17 wins to his name and is only two points behind Hamilton in the 2021 World Championship. Charles Leclerc has secured pole positions, race wins and podiums. Now Norris is rising to the top, along with Sainz and George Russell who will be racing for Mercedes next season.