Discover the starting grid for the Russian Grand Prix

Author of the first pole position of his career, Lando Norris (McLaren) will start from the front this Sunday afternoon in Sochi. The Briton will have to defend his place against Carlos Sainz Jr. (Ferrari), George Russell (Williams) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), only fourth after hitting the pit entrance wall, on a circuit where aspiration up to the first braking plays a vital role at the start. This time Russell will be able to benefit from a real start from the first positions, something he was deprived of at Spa. Surprise winner at Monza, Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) will be in fifth position on this grid marked by numerous engine penalties.

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Initially seventh after qualifying, Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) thus changed power unit once again after Monza. A “strategic penalty” with the aim of disturbing Max Verstappen (Red Bull), last on the grid, in his ascent. Between the two, Nicholas latifi (Williams) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) also paid the price for their change of engine elements. This will allow the Haas to start respectively 14th (Schumacher) and 15th (mazepin). The French will be in the middle of the pack, with Esteban Ocon (Alpine) in ninth place and Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) behind him, in the 11th.

Latest penalty to date: that of Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo) for gearbox change. With a penalty of five places, the Italian driver ultimately only lost one place on the grid thanks to the numerous penalty places of the other penalized drivers. He will therefore start in 16th position, behind Nikita Mazepin. This remains two places better than his qualifying result this Saturday.

The starting grid for the 2021 Russian Grand Prix: