Picture Credit: Twitter/@F1
After successful completion of the Italian Grand Prix, the Formula 1 caravan now moves to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix. The two top drivers, Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen will look forward to competing against each other after their crash at Monza a fortnight ago. As a result of the crash, Verstappen was handed a three-place grid penalty for this weekend’s race. With both champion racers crashing out, the Italian GP had McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo as the winner who led his team to its first victory since 2012 Brazilian GP.
Verstappen is leading Hamilton by five points and will look to edge out the seven-time champion while Hamilton will walk in with confidence as he holds the record for the fastest lap at the track and will want to stamp his authority on the title. Meanwhile, Ferrari will be debuting its much-awaited power unit development through Charles Leclerc’s car at the Russian GP. His teammate Carlos Sainz will, however, drive the old 2020-spec system when the main race of the Russian GP begins at 5:30 PM IST on 26 September.
Let’s have a look at the detailed schedule and other relevant details.
Russian GP 2021 full schedule:
Friday, September 24
Free Practice One: 2:00 PM IST to 3:00 PM IST
Free Practice Two: 5:30 PM IST to 6:30 PM IST
Saturday, September 25
Free Practice Three: 2:30 PM IST to 3:30 PM IST
Qualifying: 5:30 PM IST to 6:30 PM IST
Sunday, September 26
Main Race: 5:30 PM IST to 7:30 PM IST
What is the venue and track information for Russian GP 2021?
The Russian Grand Prix will be held at the Sochi Autodrom which has a track length of 5.848 km. It is the latest track to be added to the F1 calendar with the first race taking place in 2014. A total of 53 laps will take place covering a total distance of 309.745 km.
When and where to watch Russian GP 2021?
The Russian GP will be broadcast live on Star Sports Select 2 SD/HD. You can also watch it live on Star’s live streaming platform Disney+Hotstar. Apart from that, for live updates of all the sessions and the main race, you can tune in to the social media handles of F1.
Who won the Russian GP last year?
Russian GP 2020 which was held on 27 September 2020 was won by Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas while Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished it at the second position. Lewis Hamilton took the final podium place.
Driver Standings ahead of Russian GP:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)- 226.5
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)- 221.5
- Valteri Bottas (Mercedes)- 141
- Londo Norris (McLaren)- 132
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull)- 118
Constructors Standings:
- Mercedes- 362.5
- Red Bull- 344.5
- McLaren- 215
- Ferrari- 201.5
- Alpine Renault- 95