Lewis Hamilton hit the pit lane wall in Q3 on Saturday and will start from 4th place.
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Thunderstorms allowed qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix to take place after the third free practice session was canceled in the morning, Saturday, September 25. On a wet track, Lando Norris set the best time ahead of Carlos Sainz and George Russell. The McLaren driver took the first pole position of his career and allowed his team to continue their good period after his double at Monza.
The qualifying session for the Russian Grand Prix delivered a surprising scenario. In Q3, on a drying track, George Russell adopted the best tire strategy, setting an example for his competitors. On board his Williams, the young Briton managed to grab third place on the grid. In front of him, Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz sign an unprecedented first line.
Lewis Hamilton, who had the best time at the start of Q3, hit the wall at the entrance to the pit lane when he wanted to change tires. Once his front wing changed, the reigning world champion returned to the track before spinning again and finally taking 4th place. While the Mercedes had performed very well so far in Sochi, Valtteri Bottas took 7th place in qualifying.
WHAT. A. QUALIFYING. SESSION.#RussianGP # F1 pic.twitter.com/TjDOBH9Igq
– Formula 1 (@ F1) September 25, 2021
Max Verstappen will start from the last position since the Dutch driver has changed several parts on his car and he was already penalized by three places following his collision with Lewis Hamilton at Monza. Charles Leclerc will be ahead of him, in 19th place on the grid, as new parts have been introduced on his engine.
On the French side, Esteban Ocon will start from 10th position and Pierre Gasly, despite performing in free practice, will start from 12th place after a disagreement on the tire strategy of his team.