F1 2020 Russian Grand Prix: Friday Practice - As it happened

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The Sochi Autodrom plays host to this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix.

Having made its debut on the 2014 F1 calendar, the Russian GP has been dominated by Mercedes with it taking wins in every year. 

While Mercedes has flourished in Russia, Red Bull has never scored a podium - a trend Max Verstappen will be hoping to end this weekend with the Dutchman 80 points behind runaway championship leader Lewis Hamilton.

Valtteri Bottas has typically fared well in Russia - winning his first race in 2017. He was on course to win in 2018 before being ordered to move over for Hamilton in aid of his title bid against Sebastian Vettel.

It’s now or never for the Finn with the gap to Hamilton at 55 points. 

Looking to the midfield, McLaren has a 14-point lead over Racing Point, while a strong run of races has allowed Renault to move into fifth place ahead of Ferrari.

What happened last time out?

It was another 1-2 for Mercedes as Hamilton claimed yet another win ahead of Bottas.

Verstappen’s early retirement allowed Alexander Albon to have a free run at the podium, claiming it in the closing laps as he overtook Daniel Ricciardo around the outside into Turn 1. 

What to expect from this weekend

Mercedes is likely to dominate this weekend but with warmer track temperatures don’t rule out Red Bull entirely.

Renault tends to go well at circuits with long straights and low-speed corners - watch out for Ricciardo once again.

Dry conditions are forecast with no chance of rain.

Pirelli has nominated the C5, C4 and C3 tyres for this weekend, which are the softest tyres available in its range of compounds.