An issue with his car overheating meant Lewis Hamilton’s hopes of a podium finish were over before the race had truly got going.
Valtteri Bottas took both Ferraris by surprise and demoted Kimi Raikkonen to third by turn two. There was little he could do and there he finished.
Sebastian Vettel was taken by surprise by Valtteri Bottas’ start and couldn’t reclaim the lead after losing out at turn two.
Valtteri Bottas enjoyed a surreal race in the Russian Grand Prix to secure not only his first win at Mercedes but the first win of his career.
Esteban Ocon made it all the way to Q3 for the first time in his career. He starts tenth, one place behind his team-mate Sergio Perez.
Despite making Q3, Sergio Perez was disappointed that his lap attempt was far from perfect and was only good enough for ninth.
Another strong performance in qualifying has left Nico Hülkenberg starting the Russian Grand Prix in eighth, and looking set for another points finish.
Felipe Massa found a minute fraction of time to split the two Red Bulls and will start sixth in the Russian Grand Prix.
Vettel admits he finds it difficult to know where he is on the track, hence his woody suggestion.
Raikkonen was strong in both practice sessions. The day has left him feeling at one with his Ferrari after what has proven a difficult start to the season.
Ferrari achieved a dominating lead as Mercedes struggled to get to grips with the purple walled ultra-soft tyres.
The Finn has come under fire in recent weeks as comparisons have been drawn between his and team-mate Vettel’s performance.
Palmer believes Renault is continuing to improve despite a disappointing result in Bahrain. But Sochi will be anything but easy.
Though Sauber has shown glimmers of performance, they are yet to finish in the top ten this season.
Sochi is set to stage its fourth grand prix, meaning the track has hardly been “run in” and is smoother than what is normally observed.
The Williams garage is divided by experience; Stroll is yet to race in Sochi, either in real life or in the simulator, whilst Massa returns for his fourth grand prix.
The double points finish of 2016 is looking unlikely this year, with McLaren hoping that both cars can at least see the chequered flag.
