Know about the list of previous winners and fastest lap holders ahead of the Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix weekend
Russian Grand Prix will take over the responsibility of spicing up the Formula 1 Championship after a disappointing crash at Monza. Max Verstappen tried to get ahead of Lewis Hamilton and crashed into the Briton ending the race of both the driver. Meanwhile, Verstappen has received a 3 place grid penalty which he will serve at Sochi.
Verstappen currently sits at the top of the Championship table holding a 5 point lead over Lewis Hamilton. However, Mercedes lead Red Bull in the Constructor’s Championship by 18 points and are confident heading into the weekend.
F1 Russian Grand Prix Previous Winners and Fastest Lap Holders
| Year | Winner | Runner Up | Third Place | Fastest Lap |
| 2020 | Valtteri Bottas | Max Verstappen | Lewis Hamilton | Valtteri Bottas |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton | Valtteri Bottas | Lewis Hamilton | |
| 2018 | Lewis Hamilton | Valtteri Bottas | Sebastian Vettel | Valtteri Bottas |
| 2017 | Valtteri Bottas | Sebastian Vettel | Kimi Raikonnen | Kimi Raikonnen |
| 2016 | Nico Rosberg | Lewis Hamilton | Kimi Raikonnen | Nico Rosberg |
| 2015 | Lewis Hamilton | Sebastian Vettel | Sergio Perez | Sebastian Vettel |
| 2014 | Lewis Hamilton | Nico Rosberg | Valtteri Bottas | Valtteri Bottas |
Formula 1 Russian GP 2021 Battle for the pole position
No matter where Verstappen qualifies, he will receive a 3 place penalty on the grid which could prove to be a disadvantage for the Dutchman. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton will be confident of taking the charge of the Russian Grand Prix after a disappointing end at Monza.
Hamilton was not at all happy with the decision of the Dutchman who risked the lives of both drivers heading into the first chicane. Subsequently, the stewards have punished him for reckless driving and compromising the safety of the drivers.
Max Verstappen secured another pole position at Monza but was not able to generate the pace needed to go in front. On the other hand, Daniel Ricciardo got a nice start and led the race for the majority part winning his first Grand Prix of the season.
Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas need to prove that they are the veteran of the Sochi Autodrom to keep their Championship hopes alive. Mercedes have always been the dominant force in Russia and they need a good result to generate some forward-going momentum.