McLaren’s Lando Norris claimed pole position for the 2021 Russian Grand Prix after rain wreaked havoc – cancelling the scheduled third practice altogether – with the circuit and tire decisions in the three qualifying sessions.
Defending seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton was recording the fastest times in the sessions while the rain was coming down or water was still on the track, but in a situation similar to the ill-fated 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, the track briefly dried out in between sessions – enough to allow usage of the soft tires – and Norris was the first to take advantage of that scenario, quickly recording the fastest time on the soft tires. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, Jr. was the next in line to take advantage followed by Williams’ George Russell.
Hamilton was also preparing to take advantage of the situation but slid in the pit entrance to change his tires – costing him valuable time while the pit crew replaced the damaged front nose wing – and consequently, was late getting on the track to properly warm up his tires. Still, Hamilton had time for one lap to claim pole but spun out on the track and will instead start fourth alongside Russell in the second row.
Hamilton’s main competition for the Formula 1 driving championship – Red Bull’s Max Verstappen – will start at the back of the grid after earlier receiving double penalties, one for causing the crash between himself and Hamilton in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix and one for taking his fourth engine of the year.
Top 10 Qualifiers For 2021 Russian Grand Prix
1] Lando Norris McLaren 1:41.993
2] Carlos Sainz Jr. Ferrari 1:42.510
3] George Russell Williams 1:42.983
4] Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:44.050
5] Daniel Ricciardo McLaren 1:44.156
6] Fernando Alonso Alpine 1:44.204
7] Valtteri Bottas Mercedes 1:44.710
8] Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:44.956
9] Sergio Perez Red Bull 1:45.337
10] Esteban Ocon Alpine 1:45.865