Mercedes dominance & risk of accidents: Formula 1 in Sochi

Max Verstappen is only five championship points ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the Formula 1 overall standings. The next duel between the Dutchman in a Red Bull and the British world champion in a Mercedes is expected at the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi on Sunday (14.00 p.m.). Most recently in Italy they both collided and were eliminated. With eight races still remaining this year, every point counts.

Will Mercedes remain unbeaten in Sochi?

There have been seven races since the premiere in Sochi in 2014, and Mercedes won seven times. Four successes for Lewis Hamilton, two for Valtteri Bottas and one for Nico Rosberg. “It was never a good track for us,” said Verstappen. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old feels well prepared. “We are more competitive this year,” said the title challenger, who came second last year. Hamilton's teammate Bottas won in the Olympic Park in 2020.

The last head-to-head duel between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton ended with a bang. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Is there still a risk of an accident between Hamilton and Verstappen?

The World Cup rivals recently gave each other nothing in Monza. Because neither wanted to give the other room, they crashed into each other and were both eliminated. Verstappen was identified as the culprit by the race management and received a grid penalty. They had previously collided at Silverstone. A repeat cannot be ruled out, even if the teams rely on the common sense of their drivers. “From our side, we are trying to influence Max so that there is mutual respect and collisions can be avoided,” said Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko RTL.

What does the future look like for Mick Schumacher?

Team boss Günter Steiner announced that Schumacher will also drive for the US racing team Haas next year. After the 22-year-old's signature, the announcement could come before the upcoming race. It is also certain that the Russian Nikita Mazepin will remain Schumacher's teammate. Both newcomers have yet to score any championship points in their first season in the premier motorsport class. There had been speculation in the meantime that Schumacher would move to Alfa Romeo in 2022, but nothing came of that.

How long will the race in Sochi continue?

Only this weekend and next year. Formula 1 will run the Russian Grand Prix in St. Petersburg from 2023. The move from the Black Sea city to the port metropolis on the Baltic Sea has already been decided. The Igora Drive Autodrom was designed by route architect Hermann Tilke and is located around 54 kilometers north of St. Petersburg. The Grand Prix has been held in the Olympic city of Sochi since 2014. The slope leads through the Olympic Park where the Winter Games were held seven years ago.

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Mercedes dominance & risk of accidents: Formula 1 in Sochi

The Formula 1 season is slowly but surely entering its decisive phase. There are still eight races left this year, and the fight for the title remains tight. World champion Lewis Hamilton starts the Russian Grand Prix with a psychological advantage.

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