F1 2021 Russian Grand Prix: Qualifying - As it happened

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Formula 1 heads to the Sochi Autodrom for the penultimate time for this weekend's Russian Grand Prix.

Since its introduction to the F1 calendar in 2014, Mercedes has been unbeatable, winning every race.

Max Verstappen has a three-place grid penalty for this weekend after his collision with Lewis Hamilton, so Red Bull might decide to give him a fresh power unit and start him from the back of the grid.

That's the case with Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc starting Sunday's race from the back due to engine penalties.

What to expect from this weekend?

Pirelli has nominated the C3, C4 and C5 tyres for this weekend - the softest in its range. 

Dry conditions are expected on Friday, while rain is forecast for Saturday and Sunday.

Ahead of the weekend, Pirelli's Mario Isola said: “We’ve seen in the past that there’s been quite a lot of different strategic thinking, with all three compounds on the grid at the start of the race and varying tactics during the grand prix. Last year, the soft C5 performed better than expected and graining levels were reduced over all compounds between free practice and the race, due to high track evolution. In the past, some drivers have even tried a very early switch to the hardest compound and attempted to run all the way to the end, but last year this wasn’t quite possible as these days the asphalt has matured and is not as smooth as it was in the past. With the extra rubber on track from the very full schedule of support races this time, track evolution and grip should be further enhanced.”

Recent Russian GP Winners:

2020: Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

2019: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2018: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2017: Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

2016: Nico Rosberg (Mercedes)

2015: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2014: Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

The remainder of the 2021 F1 calendar:

Russian Grand Prix - September 26

Turkish Grand Prix - October 10

United States Grand Prix - October 24

Mexican Grand Prix - November 7

Brazilian Grand Prix - November 14

TBA - November 21

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix - December 5

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - December 12