Carlos Sainz Jr will be looking to break into the points at the Sochi Autodrom for the first time after two very difficult races in 2015 and 2016 at the circuit.
The Scuderia Toro Rosso driver comes into the event with a three-place grid penalty after his race-ending collision with Lance Stroll in Bahrain, but had scored points in the opening two races of the season in Australia and China.
But following his horror crash during qualifying at Sochi in 2015 and two races without luck, he feels the Russian venue owes him a good result this time around.
“I always get asked about my 2015 crash when we get to Russia, but I have to say that what I was most impressed with that weekend was the support of the fans and the whole Paddock,” said Sainz.
“I remember posting a photo from the hospital to say that I was okay and I received so many good wishes, it was amazing to see how F1 comes together when these things happen. We’re a big family and people really care about each other.
“I think Russia owes me one, particularly after that 2015 race where we did a massive comeback, starting from the very back and climbing up to P6 before having to retire…
“And last year I was just unlucky to get a piece of wing stuck in my radiator! So yes, points are on my list of objectives this time in Russia!”
