F1 Russian Grand Prix 2019 LIVE: Result and reaction as Lewis Hamilton wins in Sochi
Ferrari endured an afternoon to forget at the Russian Grand Prix
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton took advantage of a Ferrari meltdown to win the Russian Grand Prix and tighten his grip on a sixth world championship.
In a calamitous few laps for Ferrari, the Italian team threw away a certain one-two finish after Sebastian Vettel broke down and Charles Leclerc dropped from first to third.
Valtteri Bottas followed team-mate Hamilton home at the Sochi Autodrome as Mercedes secured the full quota of points on a day to forget for those dressed in red. Relive all of the drama below.
Race preview
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports F1 will show live coverage of the race. Their programming begins at 10.30m.
Highlights of the race will air on Channel 4. They start at 6.30pm on Sunday evening.
Can I stream the race?
Sky Sports subscribers can watch the race via the Sky Go app or via a web browser.
You can watch the Russian Grand Prix through Now TV via Sky Sports Day Pass for £9.99.
Where is it?
The Russian Grand Prix takes places at the Sochi Autodrom, with the circuit surrounding the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
What time is it?
The race is due to start at 12.10 BST.
What time does qualifying begin?
Qualifying follows the third practice session on Saturday, and should begin at 1pm BST.
What is our prediction?
Mercedes have not lost in Russia since the race was added back on to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014, and Lewis Hamilton will continue that streak this weekend.
Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the Russian Grand Prix.
Charles Leclerc starts this race in pole position after an impressive qualifying. The 21-year-old Ferrari driver has now secured four successive poles and will hope for a victory at the Sochi circuit today.
But he will likely face some stiff competition from Mercedes, who have won all five of the five races in Russia since in was introduced to the circuit.
It was Leclerc's teammate Sebastian Vettel who controversially snatched victory in Singapore last week. Let's hope for a similarly dramatic race today.
Here's how the Drivers' Championship table looks ahead of this race. Mercedes are still way out in front and will be looking to extend their lead this afternoon.
1. Hamilton (Mercedes) - 296 pts
2. Bottas (Mercedes) - 231 pts
3. Leclerc (Ferrari) - 200 pts
4. Verstappen (Red Bull) - 200 pts
5. Vettel (Ferrari) - 194 pts
Lewis Hamilton, who starts today in second, has emphasised the importance of getting off to a good start:
"It is a difficult one," he said. "It is such a long straight. I am second. It is usually a bit dirtier on the right. Will he (Leclerc) cover and give me the tow? If he does, great.
"Will he stay in position and give Seb a tow and they both keep pulling past and we fall back to third? Will I be able to get a better start and then he'll pull away at some point? I don't know.
"There are so many scenarios. That's why starts are so great. It is about being on your toes. It is about picking up whatever ball drops and being the quickest to react."
Leclerc on his chances of another victory:
There is a long way to go and it is a good start. We have been competitive all weekend and the race simulation seems good too.
"It is going to be difficult to keep everyone behind, especially at the start, as it is a very long way to Turn Two but it was a very positive race run in P2 so that is a positive sign already."
Mercedes appear to be approaching this race strategically, opting for the medium tyre, which is likely to prove more durable and last longer.
Ferrari, meanwhile, have taken a risk with the soft tyre but, as Hamilton has pointed out, they have the speed advantage. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments