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FORMULA ONE is in Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton aims to match Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 race wins.
And so far he looks like doing exactly that after edging out Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen to claim pole position for Sunday’s showdown.
Follow ALL of the latest updates from Sochi here..
Load more entries… More
LEWIS HAMILTON is aiming to equal Michael Schumacher’s record 90 Formula 1 wins as the entertaining season continues in Russia.
Two weeks on from mayhem at Mugello, the drivers will be looking for an altogether calmer afternoon after multiple races which have stunned fans.
1
A determined Lewis Hamilton snuck through the chaos at the Tuscan GP to win in the previous race
Hamilton will be licking his lips given Mercedes’ domination of the Russian circuit in recent years – and starts on pole after edging out Valtteri Bottas in qualifying.
When is Russian GP?
The big race is all set for Sunday, September 27.
It will begin at 12.10pm UK time.
What TV channel is the Russian Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?
You can catch every moment of drama across the race weekend on Sky Sports F1.
Coverage of the race will begin at 10.30am on Sunday, and the actual race begins at 12.10pm
If you’re not a Sky subscriber, grab a NOW TV pass from just £9.99 for a day or £25 for a month to stream on a number of devices.
Live Blog
RUSSIAN GP LIVE
F1 Russian Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying LATEST results from Sochi track
Pictured
BEACH BUG
Hamilton wears £369 Alexander Wang hoodie showing bikini-clad model in Sochi
LEW BEAUTY
Hamilton takes pole as he chases Schumacher win record as Vettel crashes out
‘NO REGRETS’
Lewis expects rap for ‘Arrest cops who killed Breonna’ shirt but will fight on
Exclusive
TEAR WE GO
Hamilton WON’T cry if he equals Schumacher’s record 91 wins at the Russian GP
Race weekend schedule
Friday, September 25
Practice 1 – 9am to 10.30am
Practice 2 – 1pm to 2.30pm
Saturday, September 26
Practice 3 – 10am to 11am
Qualifying – 1pm to 2pm
Sunday, September 27
Race – 12.10pm More
FORMULA ONE is in Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton aims to match Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 race wins.
And so far he looks like doing exactly that after edging out Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen to claim pole position for Sunday’s showdown.
Follow ALL of the latest updates from Sochi here..
Load more entries… More
LEWIS HAMILTON nearly stuffed it up in Sochi but will start his bid to become F1’s joint-record race winner from pole.
The Brit was made to sweat on a number of occasions as he labelled the dramatic qualifying session as “one of the worst” adding “it was horrible, heart in your mouth the whole way”.
2
Lewis Hamilton stormed to pole position as he chases Schumacher’s win recordCredit: AFP
2
Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari was taken off on a tow truck after a horror smashCredit: Getty Images – Getty
After rare mistakes, a red flag, a stewards’ investigation and a brilliant recovery, Hamilton was finally allowed to keep his 96th pole position.
He said: “I got the time taken away, then the red flag came out. It was one of the hardest qualifying sessions I can remember having.
“Everything was rushed and there was so much panic.”
The drama happened midway through the session when Hamilton was penalised by the stewards for missing the corner at turn 18 and had his lap time deleted.
Hamilton was prevented from having another crack when his Mercedes team told him to stop for new soft tyres – against his wishes.
And he was plunged further into danger when Sebastian Vettel’s big crash saw qualifying red flagged with a little over two minutes remaining.
With no lap time on the board, Hamilton risked being booted out of qualifying.
And when the session did restart, he almost crashed immediately on cold tyres and only just crossed the line with one second to spare to begin his flying lap.
Live Blog
RUSSIAN GP LIVE
F1 Russian Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying LATEST results from Sochi track
LIGHTS OUT
F1 Russian GP practice: UK start time, live stream, TV channel and race schedule
Pictured
BEACH BUG
Hamilton wears £369 Alexander Wang hoodie showing bikini-clad model in Sochi
Exclusive
TEAR WE GO
Hamilton WON’T cry if he equals Schumacher’s record 91 wins at the Russian GP
NO PARTY ANIMAL
Lewis Hamilton’s No1 girl in F1 says he is ‘not a party boy’
His race engineer, the usually composed Pete Bonnington was noticeably anxious as he hurried his driver to cross the line, saying “need to go, need to go…”
Hamilton responded with a lap time that was good enough for fourth and reached Q3 where, in the top 10 shoot-out, he composed himself to dominate.
His first lap was good but his second was even better as he took pole ahead Max Verstappen, who will start second, with an excellent recovery.
Hamilton added: “I calmed myself down and found my centre because I wanted to deliver. I had to deliver on those two laps.
“We are all under immense pressure and I would say experience helps massively in order to help me regain my focus.
“I don’t always get it right but, especially this year, I have been able to center myself and deliver laps when it counts.”
Hamilton was allowed to keep his pole after the race stewards took no further action after an investigation into why he had missed a chicane earlier in the qualifying session.
But says that even though he will start in front, he is on the less durable, soft tyre, and knows he could be leapfrogged by Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas, who lines up in third on the grid.
He said: “It’s nice to be on pole but this probably the worst place to be on pole with the draggier cars this year.
“Undoubtedly I’m most likely to get dragged past. Both the cars I’m racing against are on the medium tyres so it will definitely make it hard to win the race.
“But I’m definitely going to stay positive and try and figure out how I can navigate through and get a good start.”
Lewis Hamilton wears t-shirt demanding justice for Breonna Taylor on the podium after winning the Tuscan F1 GP More
LEWIS HAMILTON is aiming to equal Michael Schumacher’s record 90 Formula 1 wins as the entertaining season continues in Russia.
Two weeks on from mayhem at Mugello, the drivers will be looking for an altogether calmer afternoon after multiple races which have stunned fans.
1
A determined Lewis Hamilton snuck through the chaos at the Tuscan GP to win in the previous race
Hamilton will be licking his lips given Mercedes’ domination of the Russian circuit in recent years but teammate Valtteri Bottas will also be looking to challenge for his first win since the opening race in Austria.
When is Russian GP qualifying?
Ahead of the main event on Sunday, the Grand Prix qualifying session will be held on Saturday, September 26.
It will begin at 1pm UK time.
What TV channel is the Russian Grand Prix on and can I live stream it?
You can catch every moment of drama across the race weekend on Sky Sports F1.
Coverage of the race will begin at 10.30am on Sunday, and the actual race begins at 12.10pm
If you’re not a Sky subscriber, grab a NOW TV pass from just £9.99 for a day or £25 for a month to stream on a number of devices.
Live Blog
RUSSIAN GP LIVE
F1 Russian Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying LATEST results from Sochi track
LEW BEAUTY
Hamilton takes pole as he chases Schumacher win record as Vettel crashes out
Pictured
BEACH BUG
Hamilton wears £369 Alexander Wang hoodie showing bikini-clad model in Sochi
Exclusive
TEAR WE GO
Hamilton WON’T cry if he equals Schumacher’s record 91 wins at the Russian GP
NO PARTY ANIMAL
Lewis Hamilton’s No1 girl in F1 says he is ‘not a party boy’
Race weekend schedule
Friday, September 25
Practice 1 – 9am to 10.30am
Practice 2 – 1pm to 2.30pm
Saturday, September 26
Practice 3 – 10am to 11am
Qualifying – 1pm to 2pm
Sunday, September 27
Race – 12.10pm More
LEWIS HAMILTON will not break down in tears when he equals legend Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 F1 wins — because he is only interested in titles.
The Brit can match the tally at this weekend’s Russian GP in Sochi — a race he has won four times out of six.
3
Lewis Hamilton needs one win to equal Michael Schumacher’s all-time recordCredit: Reuters
It would mark an incredible achievement, as most thought the German’s record was untouchable.
SunSport reminded the six-time world champ how Schumacher sobbed when he equalled Ayrton Senna’s then-record of 41 wins at the 2000 Italian GP.
But Hamilton said: “I saw that video of Schumacher’s reaction recently.
“I don’t remember seeing what happened afterwards.
“I’m sure he did talk about why he did that or what he was feeling.
“For all of us drivers, there’s a lot of emotion involved in what we do. I don’t know why I am the way I am and why numbers are not necessarily something I focus on.
“I come into this weekend as it being no different to any other weekend. I’ve got to work my backside off to beat my team-mate Valtteri Bottas and everyone else out there.
“I know how hard that is, as do the other drivers. I just don’t think of anything else really.
3
Michael Schumacher cried when he equalled Ayrton Senna’s then-record of 41 winsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Pictured
BEACH BUG
Hamilton wears £369 Alexander Wang hoodie showing bikini-clad model in Sochi
LEW OR SCHU?
Hamilton vs Schumacher: Who’s the GOAT with Brit set to match F1 wins tally?
Live Blog
RUSSIAN GP LIVE
F1 Russian Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying LATEST results from Sochi track
‘NO REGRETS’
Lewis expects rap for ‘Arrest cops who killed Breonna’ shirt but will fight on
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INCREDIBLE HULK
Formula 1 star Nico Hulkenberg gets engaged to girlfriend on trip to Venice
“If it happens, it’s going to happen at some stage, as I’m not quitting any time soon. I can’t tell you how I am going to feel, or what it’s going to mean.”
Hamilton has a whopping 55-point lead in the championship over Bottas and looks set for a seventh world title.
That would equal another Schumacher record, and while the number of wins he has does not seem to bother him, Hamilton certainly IS interested in collecting championships.
He added: “Championship numbers are different. When you win a championship, it’s something that is so far in the distance, it’s almost impossible or seems out of reach.”
Hamilton, 35, raced Schumacher for only three seasons between 2010 and 2012 after he came out of retirement for Mercedes.
Ironically, Schumacher was replaced at Merc by Hamilton but the two never really had much of a friendship.
Hamilton said: “I met him once at the track he has at Kerpen — and that was amazing as a kid.
“Probably my fondest memory was in Abu Dhabi when we exchanged helmets and that was really big for me. That’s the most valuable helmet I have.
The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
3
Lewis Hamilton can match the tally at this weekend’s Russian GP in SochiCredit: Reuters
“Otherwise, we never really had any deep conversations or anything like that. It was just pure admiration.”
While Hamilton never had much of a connection to Schumacher, one driver who did is Sebastian Vettel.
The Ferrari man idolised Schumacher when he was growing up and says he will be ‘sad’ to see Hamilton equal his hero’s record.
He said: “91 wins has always been a number that appeared to be impossible to reach. But Lewis’ track record over the years has allowed him to get closer. It is only a matter of time before he reaches it.
“On one hand I will be sad because Michael is still my hero, but on the other hand, I will always be happy for Lewis.
“He deserves all the success he has had in the last years, this year — and the next years, too. It is half and half, I have mixed emotions.”
Bottas set the early pace in Russia after topping both practice sessions in Sochi.
The Finn is trying to stop Hamilton from adding to his six wins this season.
Hamilton, second quickest in the afternoon session, was comfortably ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, who was best of the rest in his Renault.
McLaren duo Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris were also impressive in P4 and P5.
Meanwhile, F1 have confirmed that Stefano Domenicali will replace Chase Carey as F1’s new CEO from January.
F1 chief Michael Masi blasts Lewis Hamilton after Mercedes star claimed drivers’ lives were put at risk at Tuscan GP More
BREAKING NEWS
As we wrote earlier this week, Stefano Domenicali has been appointed as President and CEO of Formula 1.
Chase Carey, the current Chairman and CEO, will move to the role of non-executive Chairman in January.
Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO – who own F1 – said: “Chase has done a phenomenal job leading F1.
“He assembled a first-class commercial and sporting organization that has a long list of achievements, including broadening the appeal of the sport, growing its digital presence, establishing new technical regulations, securing a cost cap for the first time and reaching a new more equitable Concorde agreement with the teams.
“His actions have reinforced F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport. As always, he has been a great partner and I look forward to his continued counsel in his new role as non-executive Chairman.
“We are excited to welcome Stefano Domenicali as President and CEO of Formula 1. Stefano brings a rich history of success in F1 at Ferrari and the broader auto industry at Audi and Lamborghini.”
Carey added: “It has been an honor to lead Formula 1, a truly global sport with a storied past over the last seventy years.
“I’m proud of the team that’s not only navigated through an immensely challenging 2020 but returned with added purpose and determination in the areas of sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
“I’m confident that we’ve built the strong foundation for the business to grow over the long term. It’s
been an adventure and I’ve enjoyed working with the teams, the FIA and all of our partners.
“I look forward to staying involved and supporting Stefano as he takes the wheel.”
Domenicali said: “I am thrilled to join the Formula 1 organization, a sport that has always been part of my life.
“I was born in Imola and live in Monza. I’ve remained connected to the sport through my work
with the Single Seater Commission at the FIA and I look forward to connecting with the teams,
promoters, sponsors and many partners in Formula 1 as we continue to drive the business
ahead.
“The past six years at Audi and then leading Lamborghini have given me broader perspective and experience that I will bring to Formula 1.” More
BREAKING NEWS
As we wrote earlier this week, Stefano Domenicali has been appointed as President and CEO of Formula 1.
Chase Carey, the current Chairman and CEO, will move to the role of non-executive Chairman in January.
Greg Maffei, Liberty Media President and CEO – who own F1 – said: “Chase has done a phenomenal job leading F1.
“He assembled a first-class commercial and sporting organization that has a long list of achievements, including broadening the appeal of the sport, growing its digital presence, establishing new technical regulations, securing a cost cap for the first time and reaching a new more equitable Concorde agreement with the teams.
“His actions have reinforced F1 as the pinnacle of motorsport. As always, he has been a great partner and I look forward to his continued counsel in his new role as non-executive Chairman.
“We are excited to welcome Stefano Domenicali as President and CEO of Formula 1. Stefano brings a rich history of success in F1 at Ferrari and the broader auto industry at Audi and Lamborghini.”
Carey added: “It has been an honor to lead Formula 1, a truly global sport with a storied past over the last seventy years.
“I’m proud of the team that’s not only navigated through an immensely challenging 2020 but returned with added purpose and determination in the areas of sustainability, diversity and inclusion.
“I’m confident that we’ve built the strong foundation for the business to grow over the long term. It’s
been an adventure and I’ve enjoyed working with the teams, the FIA and all of our partners.
“I look forward to staying involved and supporting Stefano as he takes the wheel.”
Domenicali said: “I am thrilled to join the Formula 1 organization, a sport that has always been part of my life.
“I was born in Imola and live in Monza. I’ve remained connected to the sport through my work
with the Single Seater Commission at the FIA and I look forward to connecting with the teams,
promoters, sponsors and many partners in Formula 1 as we continue to drive the business
ahead.
“The past six years at Audi and then leading Lamborghini have given me broader perspective and experience that I will bring to Formula 1.” More
