F1 News
LIVE: Russian GP Qualifying - Bottas v Hamilton for pole?
It's time for qualifying. Can Verstappen make it difficult for Mercedes? Or will it be a simple 1-2 for the German team again? Should Lewis Hamilton achieve his 96th pole position this afternoon, he will put himself in a very strong position to equal Michael Schumacher's career win record in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.
Mercedes in control (liveblow below)
If you can believe the performance from the free practice sessions, Mercedes will again dominate during qualifying in Russia. Bottas and Hamilton have been dominating all weekend and it is expected that this afternoon will be no different. Since Formula 1 first raced at the Sochi Autodrom in 2014, only Mercedes have recorded wins.
During the long-run analysis, it emerged that the German team are probably the only ones who don't need to use the softest tyre, simply because they are so fast. The rest of the field is too close together to take the risk. Verstappen will have to work hard for a good starting position: the Renaults and McLarens look very fast this weekend.
