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The history books appeal to Hamilton, but he says he will have to work hard against Verstappen and Bottas at the Russian GP; Complete provisional grid below; Watch today’s race at 12.10pm on Sky F1
By Matt Morlidge
Last Updated: 09/27/20 6:54 am
Lewis Hamilton has a great chance to make Formula 1 history from pole position at today’s Russian GP, but the record-chasing Englishman insists he will “fight” Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas and hopes they will “fly by” with a potentially crucial strategy. advantage.
After six wins out of nine to start the 2020 season, Hamilton has his first chance to match Michael Schumacher’s unprecedented record of 91 wins in F1 when he shuts down. today at 12.10 pm, live only on Sky Sports F1.
But while Hamilton will lead all 20 cars off the grid in Sochi after an incredible recovery in qualifying, the Q2 drama during that shootout means he will start the race on soft tires compared to rivals Verstappen and Bottas in the media. more race-friendly. – and with a very long journey to the first braking zone and corner.
“Ultimately, I’m starting on the soft tire, which is not good,” admitted Hamilton. “It’s nice to be on pole, but this is probably the worst place to be on pole, with the most dramatic cars we have this year.
2:38 Lewis Hamilton explains why his pole position was not easy, as he seeks to level out Michael Schumacher’s 91 Grand Prix victories in Sochi.
“So certainly I’m more likely to get dragged and the two cars I’m racing are in the middle, so it’s definitely going to make it difficult to win the race.”
Verstappen, the Red Bull star who surprisingly divided Mercedes, and Bottas, Hamilton’s teammate who was quicker for most of the weekend before qualifying, pose big threats.
“Overall, I hope one of these two will fly out at some point,” Hamilton said. “So, I think I will focus on my race and try to run the fastest race that I can.
2:16 Sky F1’s Anthony Davidson discusses the qualifying battle between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen.
“Obviously I’m on the worst tire to start the race so that’s going to be a struggle. I don’t know if that puts me in two stops, I don’t know, unlikely because the pit lane is too slow so I’ll have to watch those tires as much as possible.
“These guys, if they manage, they will walk away, so I will sit down and try to find out if there is a different kind of career I can do to maintain my position.”
Can Verstappen and Bottas delay Hamilton’s record?
Hamilton’s different strategy compared to Verstappen and Bottas was born out of necessity as he was forced to take a quick and fast lap at the end of Q2 after Sebastian Vettel’s crash and the subsequent red flag.
Bottas, in particular, thinks that can make him play.
1:25 Max Verstappen starts second on the starting grid in Sochi and anticipates an exciting first lap.
“I think [the medium] it’s the right tire to be in, “said the Finn.” And with the race pace, I’m sure it will be good. Definitely confident and there is everything to play for. “
Verstappen, on paper, could have an even better chance from the front row, his first outing there since early July, although he has had disastrous escapades in each of the last two Grands Prix.
“In general, I think the Mercedes guys are a little bit quicker on race pace, so I’ll do my best to stay with them and see what happens,” said Verstappen. “I’d like to get off to a good start, and by start I mean once I get full throttle to get full power, that would be nice and then they won’t take me out! After two retirements I think it’s good to score some points again.
4:11 Sky F1’s Anthony Davidson discusses the qualifying battle between Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.
Behind the usual three forwards of F1 2020, Sergio Pérez leads what should be an extremely competitive midfield, with Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz as his closest rivals.
Provisional grid of the Russian GP
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
4. Sergio Pérez, Racing Point
5. Daniel Ricciardo, Renault
6. Carlos Sainz, McLaren
7. Esteban Ocon, Renault
8. Lando Norris, McLaren
9. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri
10. Alex Albon, Red Bull
11. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
12. Daniil Kvyat, AlphaTauri
13. Lance Stroll, Racing Point
14. George Russell, Williams
15. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
16. Romain Grosjean, Haas
17. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo
18. Kevin Magnussen, Haas
19. Nicholas Latifi, Williams
20. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo
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