The starting grid for the Russian Grand Prix

In Sochi, it is Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) who starts in the lead after signing the 96th pole of his career. Max Verstappen(Red Bull) completes the first line while Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) is only third on the grid.

Behind the battle will be tough. Fourth, Sergio Pérez (Racing Point) will have to be vigilant. In fact, the Mexican will be under the direct threat of Daniel Ricciardo (5th/Renault), Carlos Sainz (6th/McLaren), his teammate Esteban Ocon (7th/Renault) or even Lando Norris (8th/McLaren).

Author of the 9th fastest time in qualifying, Pierre Gasly (Alpha Tauri) can also join the battle between Renault, McLaren and Pérez's Racing Point. Initially 10th, Alexander albon (Red Bull only starts 15th. He receives a 5-place penalty after changing his gearbox.

This penalty allows Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) to enter the Top 10. Daniil Kvyat (Alpha Tauri), Lance stroll (Lance Stroll), George Russell (Williams) and Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) also gained a place on the starting grid.

Same case for Nicholas latifi. The Williams driver also had to change his gearbox and was dropped 5 places on the grid. However, he only lost one since he had set the 19th time in qualifying. Romain Grosjean (Haas) is 16th ahead of Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo), Kevin Magnussen (Haas) and Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo)

The starting grid

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
4. Sergio Perez (Racing Point)
5. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault)
6. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)
7. Esteban Ocon (Renault)
8. Lando Norris (McLaren)
9. Pierre GaslyAlpha Tauri
10. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
11. Daniil Kvyat (Alpha Taurus)
12. Lance Stroll (Racing Point)
13. George Russell (Williams)
14. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
15. Alexander Albon (Red Bull)
16. Romain Grosjean (Haas)
17. Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo)
18. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
19. Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo)
20. Nicholas Latifi (Williams)

Meet at 13:10 p.m. for the start of the Russian Grand Prix.