I don't know about you, but I am more than ready for a Grand Prix weekend. The teams and drivers needed a well deserved break after an intense triple header, but I found myself watching an embarrassing amount of race compilations on YouTube to satisfy my F1 cravings.
This weekend we are headed to Sochi for the Russian Grand Prix, and it’s fair to say it's not many people’s favourite track on the calendar. This is largely due to the belief that the track doesn’t promote ‘good racing’ or overtaking due to its lack of unique corners or elevation.
However, with an intense title fight and a heated battle for the best of the rest, it is hard to imagine a boring race in the 2021 season.
Speaking of the title fight, due to the collision between Verstappen and Hamilton during the Italian Grand Prix, Max must serve a 3 place grid penalty this weekend. Redbull are also taking an engine penalty this week, effectively nulling the grid penalty and meaning Max will start from the back of the grid.
Referring to the grid penalty, RedBull team boss Christian Horner said “in Sochi it’s not such a handicap because of the strength of the tow down to turn one.” So hold off on dismissing Sochi as a dull race, we may have a fiery Car 33 charging through the pack in an attempt to claim his maiden Russian Grand Prix victory.
Rain is forecast for every day of the race weekend. This would have previously delighted F1 fans ,who knew they were in for an interesting race. However, after the disastrous Belgian Grand Prix, I think we will all agree that our attitude to a rainy race weekend has been slightly dampened.
Most pundits have sunk their flag firmly in the Mercedes camp for Sochi, as this is traditionally a track where they excel. In fact, Mercedes haven't lost at Sochi since it was added to the calendar in 2014, and even 100 years earlier in 1913 and 1914, the winning drivers were in a Benz.
Horner has marked Sochi down as a ‘Mercedes stronghold.’ In particular, Valterri Bottas has always favoured Sochi. He has had two wins here in 2017 and 2020. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a guaranteed victory. Monza, another Mercedes favouring track, provided a McLaren victory, and Verstappen will be hungry to keep his lead in the World Driver’s Championship by any means possible.
Don't underestimate the Russian Grand Prix. It is sure to be another weekend of teams and drivers fighting wheel to wheel for championships and providing a great show. Will Verstappen have to fight his way through the field? Will Mercedes find themselves back on top after a less than fortunate triple header? Will the Mercedes powered McLaren continue their upward trajectory? I can't wait to find out.
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