Despite his good pole, Hamilton expects to suffer in the race in Sochi

Taking pole position at the Russian Grand Prix can be a poisoned chalice. It must be said that the first braking only occurs after a long period of full load, the first turn being a simple right curve that the drivers negotiate at full throttle.

Suffice it to say that the cars which do not open the road have every opportunity to nestle into the rear wing of the leader, necessarily slower because they have to “pierce” the air in front of him, to surprise him at turn 2. We will remember for example that last year, Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) had taken control from 3rd place on the grid. same for me Valtteri Bottas in 2017.

This history, Lewis Hamilton knows him perfectly but that does not prevent him from enjoying his 96th career pole position, acquired with panache but in circumstances that are, to say the least, incredible after having come close to correction and elimination in Q2.

« This was one of the worst qualifying sessions I have ever experienced, it was honestly horrible, confided a smiling Hamilton after the session. My heart was in my mouth throughout the session. It started with the cancellation of my flying lap for having veered wide in a place where I had made no mistake until then.

I wanted to stay on the track and set a time but the team told me to come back and put on a new train and leave. The red flag followed. There was a real risk of not being able to complete the last lap.

At the end of the day, I have to go easy. It is not good news. It's always nice to start from pole position but this track is probably the most penalizing for the pole sitter because of the slipstream you can take before the first braking. I expect to get sucked in and passed tomorrow.

And my two direct competitors (Max Verstappen, 2nd, and Valtteri Bottas, 3rd, Editor’s note) are in mediums so it will be really complicated to play for the win but I will stay positive and see how I can get a good start and do well in the game ».

We trust the six-time world champion, who can equal the record of victories of Michael Schumacher Sunday by signing a 91st career success, to bravely try his luck.