Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

As it happenedended

F1 Russian Grand Prix 2019 LIVE: Result and reaction as Lewis Hamilton wins in Sochi

Ferrari endured an afternoon to forget at the Russian Grand Prix

Charlie Bradley
Sunday 29 September 2019 09:45 EDT
Comments
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas test out new Mercedes F1 car

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Lewis Hamilton took advantage of a Ferrari meltdown to win the Russian Grand Prix and tighten his grip on a sixth world championship.

In a calamitous few laps for Ferrari, the Italian team threw away a certain one-two finish after Sebastian Vettel broke down and Charles Leclerc dropped from first to third.

Valtteri Bottas followed team-mate Hamilton home at the Sochi Autodrome as Mercedes secured the full quota of points on a day to forget for those dressed in red. Relive all of the drama below.

Race preview

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports F1 will show live coverage of the race. Their programming begins at 10.30m.

Highlights of the race will air on Channel 4. They start at 6.30pm on Sunday evening.

Can I stream the race?

Sky Sports subscribers can watch the race via the Sky Go app or via a web browser.

You can watch the Russian Grand Prix through Now TV via Sky Sports Day Pass for £9.99.

Where is it?

The Russian Grand Prix takes places at the Sochi Autodrom, with the circuit surrounding the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

What time is it?

The race is due to start at 12.10 BST.

What time does qualifying begin?

Qualifying follows the third practice session on Saturday, and should begin at 1pm BST.

What is our prediction?

Mercedes have not lost in Russia since the race was added back on to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014, and Lewis Hamilton will continue that streak this weekend.

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 10:56

Hamilton is remaining cautious over his chances of another Championship win, despite his significant lead at the top of the standings.

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:01

Qualifying did not go entirely as planned for Red Bull. Verstappen was fourth fastest but a grid penalty for taking additional power unit elements means he's been pushed down to ninth in today's grid.

His teammate Alexander Albon, meanwhile, crashed out of the first session and will begin the race way back in 19th. Red Bull, then, have a lot of ground to make up.

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:08

Leclerc on his way to recording the fastest lap in Sochi yesterday

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:16

Here's how today's full grid looks:

1. Charles Leclerc

2. Lewis Hamilton 

3. Sebastian Vettel

4. Valtterri Bottas

5. Carlos Sainz Jnr

6. Nico Hulkenberg

7. Lando Norris

8. Romain Grosjean

9. Max Verstappen

10. Daniel Ricciardo

11. Sergio Perez

12. Antonio Giovinazzi 

13. Kevin Magnussen

14. Lance Stroll

15. Kimi Raikkonnen

16. Pierre Gasly

17. George Russell

18. Robert Kubica

19. Daniil Kvyat

- Alexander Albon

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:24

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:27

We're just 40 minutes away from lights out now...

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:31

Leclerc has earned comparisons with Michael Schumacher for his performances of late, becoming the first driver since the legendary German to achieve four pole positions in a row. But the 21-year-old has played down the hype that has followed yesterday's qualifying.

"I don't want to think about those stats for now," he said. "I just want to focus on the job."

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:40

It's a home race for Daniil Kvyat today, but he'll start right at the back in his Toro Rosso. 

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:45

Callum Rice-Coates29 September 2019 11:49

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in