Hamilton clearly has the advantage, but the weather could become an issue

“Let’s wait and see what the weather will be like at the end,” said the 23-year-old Red Bull driver. However, the forecast of heavy rain and a 100 percent probability of precipitation worries the makers of the racing series in Sochi. It seems possible that it won't be possible to drive at all on Saturday because the conditions on the Black Sea may not allow it. Just a month ago it rained so heavily at the Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, that a normal race was not possible. In Sochi it was still sunny and dry during training on Friday, but an approaching rain front changed that. If neither the third training nor the qualification can be carried out before the 15th round of the season, the result of the second training would be used for the order on the starting grid. World Cup lead: Things are getting tight for Verstappen While Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton would each form the front row in the Mercedes, Verstappen's sixth place would have no relevance. Because the Dutchman is getting a new engine, he has to line up at the back and start catching up. According to the regulations, only three drive units are allowed per season, but Verstappen is already starting with the fourth engine. “We think it’s best to take the penalty here,” said Verstappen. With eight races still remaining, the step would have been necessary at some point anyway, he emphasized. But it will be difficult for Verstappen to defend his narrow championship lead. The leader has just five points more than the lurking Hamilton. The course in the 2014 Olympic city is particularly important to the Brit. He has already won four times, more often than any other driver. Heavy rain threatens “It doesn’t really change anything for us. We do our thing,” said veteran Hamilton as punishment for his worst adversary. But of course the seven-time champion wanted to “capitalize on it,” he said: “If we could get first and second place, that would be sensational.” Hamilton is also concerned about the threat of heavy rain: “Of course we have to take that into account when voting. At the same time, we also have to keep an eye on Sunday, when it should be dry.”

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Hamilton clearly has the advantage, but the weather could become an issue

Max Verstappen is not worried. Neither his starting position at the back of the field at the Russian Grand Prix nor the weather forecast can upset the Formula 1 title challenger.

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