Team-mate Valtteri Bottas has been in fine form lately, securing a brilliant podium at Monza despite starting at the back of the pack following his grid penalty for a fresh power unit.
The Finn was the one to claim pole position both on Friday and during Saturday’s sprint, and has recorded back-to-back podiums in the most recent two rounds of the season. He also has a great record around Sochi, securing two of his nine F1 wins around the Russian circuit.
On top of all of that, rain is forecast to play a major role throughout the weekend, with a downpour expected on Saturday and wet practice on Friday a possibility. The rain could even materialise during Sunday afternoon, meaning the first wet weather race at Sochi could happen to add further drama to an already intriguing battle between championship contenders.
Verstappen is not out of the reckoning with his three-place grid penalty for the crash in Italy and has form for scything his way through the pack in Russia, finishing a respectable fifth back in 2018 and ultimately has the fastest car at this point in the season.
Wet weather will also surely play into the Dutchman’s hands. He won the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix earlier in the season after seeing off Hamilton’s threat.
If Hamilton can’t claw points back this weekend, Red Bull will have plenty of momentum to carry into the final leg of the 2021 season.
2021 Russian Grand Prix session times
Friday
Free Practice 1: 09:30 – 10:30
Free Practice 2: 13:00 – 14:00
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 10:00 – 11:00
Qualifying: 13:00 – 14:00
Sunday
Race: 13:00 – 15:00