Moscow, Sep 25 (BUS): McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first-ever Formula 1 position in wet conditions on Saturday at the Russian Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton was only fourth for Mercedes, while championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull will start the race on Sunday from behind the grid due to a power unit change.
Briton Norris set a best time of 1 minute 41.993 seconds around the 5.848 kilometers at the Sochi Autodrome, German news agency (dpa) reports.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was followed by 0.517 seconds, and Williams’ George Russell was third.
The trio took advantage of early tire changes in the third quarter, when the track was already suitable for slick tyres, thus giving drivers better grip.
Norris, who finished second at Monza two weeks ago, was speechless after his first position.
Sainz will be Ferrari’s main hope for points as Charles Leclerc will also start from the back of the grid because, like Verstappen, he is serving a penalty due to several engine changes.
Meanwhile, Russell was enjoying the best period of his career thus far. Having earned his first points for Williams in Hungary in August and a podium at the Belgian Grand Prix – despite no real race due to weather conditions – he was the first to gamble with soft rubber in the third quarter.
Future teammate Hamilton hit a wall coming into the pits to change his tire and then spin on his last lap, missing the chance to improve his time.
Earlier on Saturday, the third and final training session was canceled due to heavy rain in Sochi.
Verstappen and Leclerc did not complete the qualifying session.
Vertappen abandoned it in Q1 and Leclerc in Q2, thus avoiding any potential damage to the car due to wet and slippery track conditions.
Although he did not specify a time, the Dutchman will be allowed to race because the 107 percent rule does not apply in wet conditions. The rule states that a driver is not allowed to race if he fails to qualify within 107 percent of the fastest lap time.
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