The Russian Grand Prix at Sochi Autdorom has always been a Mercedes stronghold, and on Friday it was too, which augurs well for Lewis Hamilton's title chances as his rival Max Verstappen will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid. Thus, expect Mercedes to try to inflict maximum damage with Valtteri Bottas a willing accomplice to aid teammate Hamilton and his bid for an eighth title. If ever there was an opportunity to impose more pain on Red Bull, this is it. Speaking after FP2, and having run second to his teammate in both practice sessions on Friday, Hamilton said: 'We had two good sessions today pace-wise. We ticked off as much as we could working through different setup items...
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