Questions and answers about the Russian Grand Prix

What's up? The 1 Formula 2018 season is gradually entering the home stretch. The 16th of 21 races is taking place in Sochi, Russia. Formula 2014 is visiting the resort on the Black Sea, venue for the scandalous 1 Winter Olympics, for only the fifth time. So far, the winner has always been in a Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton won twice, while Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas celebrated one success each. Sebastian Vettel wants to finally break the Silver Arrows' streak.

What is the starting position? Vettel wants to win - and he has to. Mistakes in Monza and Singapore have increased his gap to championship leader Hamilton to 40 points. Ferrari star Vettel can still win his fifth world championship title on his own. If he wins every remaining race, he will definitely be world champion. But even the victory in Sochi will be a big challenge. In the past, Mercedes managed the 5,853 km long track at the “Sochi Autodrom” very well. But predictions are difficult to make, as the 2018 season has shown again and again.

How can Vettel succeed in breaking free? With risk. His choice of tires shows that he is ready for this. Vettel travels to Russia with nine sets of the softest (and fastest) Hypersoft tire compound - two more than Hamilton. On the tire-friendly asphalt in Sochi, this should give him an advantage in qualifying and ultimately also in the race. More than anything, Vettel and Ferrari finally need a flawless performance. Far too often, the Reds have recently given away points due to driving errors or incorrect strategies. Ferrari cannot afford any more mistakes.

What speaks for Lewis Hamilton? The momentum. The Brit recently presented himself in impressive form. Both in the “enemy country” in Monza and on the Ferrari track in Singapore, the defending champion cleared all obstacles and raced to victory. The strong performance of the Mercedes, the good experiences in Russia and the unrestricted support within the team speak for renewed success - and the preliminary decision in the title race. Teammate Valtteri Bottas is a proven Sochi expert, but should not stand in Hamilton's way if the worst comes to the worst. Recently, Vettel couldn't always rely on such support.

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Questions and answers about the Russian Grand Prix

The next Formula 1 World Championship race will take place on the Black Sea this weekend. We answer the most important questions in advance.

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