Hamilton’s 96th pole follows Q2 trouble after lap ruled out Max Verstappen second ahead of Valtteri Bottas on Sochi gridThe history books still beckon for
Lewis Hamilton at Sunday’s
Russian Grand Prix but after nail-biting tension in qualifying, nothing is a given in Sochi. With 90 victories Hamilton is tantalisingly close to matching Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 and will start from pole on Sunday, but after a qualifying session that left him a second away from being eliminated from the top 10 he is in a far from an ideal position for the race.
The world champion was indomitable on his quickest laps but came close to failing to make the final session. His experience, control and composure told, however, as he refocused to nail pole, albeit at a cost he fears may give the advantage to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was second and his Mercedes teammate, Valtteri Bottas, in third.