EL1 in Sochi: Bottas dominates a choppy session, Hamilton 19th

A rear wing that hangs at the back of a McLaren, a Williams which triggers a red flag after a violent, but fortunately not serious, contact with the wall, several drivers who veered wide: the opening session of the Russian Grand Prix was agitated to say the least, on a slippery because of dust autodrome.

At the end of the first 90 minutes of driving, Valtteri Bottas takes the best time with a time of 1'34''923. The pilot Mercedes, who scored his first career victory in Sochi in 2017, is ahead of the Renault de Daniel Ricciardo of half a second. 

Max Verstappen completes the top three for Red Bull. The Dutchman is ahead of the Racing Point duo, Sergio Pérez ahead Lance stroll, the only one to have the new aerodynamic package among the Roses. 

follows Esteban Ocon in 6th place aboard the 2nd Renault, then the regional of the stage Daniil Kvyat (Alpha Tauri), Alexander albon (Redbull), Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari), And Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri). 

Charles Leclerc fails at the gates of the Top 10, while Romain Grosjean must be satisfied with the 18th fastest time. 

To find traces of the six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, you have to go down to 19th position. The leader of the Drivers' classification is 2''793 behind his teammate. 

These EL1s were also marred by a few incidents. Carlos Sainz spun and damaged the rear wing of his McLaren. A few minutes later, Nicholas latifi lost control of his Williams and hit the wall violently at the exit of turn 10. More fear than harm for the Canadian, whose accident resulted in a red flag. 

CLASSIFICATION: END OF FP1 

Both Racing Points in the top five

Both Renaults in the top six#RussianGP  #F1 pic.twitter.com/ORcJVpdrln

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