The Sochi Autodrom was built as part of the 2014 Winter Olympic venues to host that year’s Russian Grand Prix. Inevitably, another new Formula 1 circuit from the pen of architect Hermann Tilke, that inaugural race was played out amid a backdrop of tensions in neighbouring Ukraine. Russian Daniil Kvyat qualified an impressive fifth for Toro Rosso although the race was among the least exciting of the season. That season, Nico Rosberg fought his way through the field to second position after an early mistake as Mercedes-Benz team-mate Lewis Hamilton took control of the World Championship. Indeed, Mercedes won all eight Russian GPs held at the Sochi Autodrom with Hamilton a five-time winner. It was here that Lando Norris came within three laps of winning for McLaren in 2021, only for a sudden rainstorm and decision to stay on slick tyres to deny victory. The Black Sea resort was due to lose the GP to Igora Drive in 2023 although the country’s invasion of Ukraine rendered that immaterial.
