2020 Russian Grand Prix

Previous race

Hamilton won the Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello — his sixth win of the season — with Bottas second for Mercedes’ third 1–2 finish of the year. Verstappen retired from third with a power issue and was later caught in a multi-car collision at the restart. Alexander Albon finished third for his first career podium and the first podium for a Thai driver in Formula One. Two red flag periods were needed — the second triggered by a tyre failure for Lance Stroll.

Milestones

This race marks Scuderia Ferrari’s 1000th start in a World Championship event as a team. Formula One has also recorded its biggest coronavirus spike of the year ahead of this weekend.

Tyre choices

Pirelli supplies the C3, C4, and C5 compounds — the three softest available.

Practice

Bottas topped the first practice session ahead of Ricciardo and Verstappen. The session was disrupted by two incidents: a spin from Carlos Sainz Jr. at turn seven, which damaged his rear wing and triggered a virtual safety car, followed by Nicholas Latifi spinning at turn ten and causing a red flag with severe damage to his car.

The second session ended with Bottas ahead of Hamilton and Ricciardo. Hamilton went fastest in the third and final practice session, ahead of Bottas and Sainz Jr.