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.
LAP 5
Leclerc on Vettel's case here. The German has recorded the fastest lap. The two of them separated by just six points in the Championships so expect a real contest!
LAP 6
Wow! Vettel instructed by his team that he will let Leclerc by next lap. Repaying his teammate for last week's undercut?
LAP 7
Vettel benefited from slipstream at the start of the race. He reckons he would have taken the lead regardless. Fascinating start in Sochi.
LAP 8
Letting Leclerc by may not be sensible. Hamilton and Bottas are closing in from third and fourth. For the second week running, Leclerc is not happy! Vettel yet to budge.
LAP 8
Meanwhile, Verstappen takes seventh from Perez. A nice move on the outside of the Mexican.
LAP 9
Vettel with the fastest lap...I don't think he fancies budging. It's all political in the Ferrari team.
LAP 10
Vettel is flying. Probably right to let the German push on, even if Leclerc is aggrieved. Meanwhile, McLaren have started brilliantly. Sainz and Norris in fifth and sixth.
LAP 11
Ricciardo yet to recover from his first lap clash with Grosjean. The Aussie in the Renault is down in 16th.
LAP 12
Verstappen leaps Norris into sixth now. One McLaren down, one to go for the Dutchman in the Red Bull.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments