Ferrari’s Leclerc on pole in Russia
SOCHI: Charles Leclerc reeled off his fourth consecutive pole position with another stunning lap on Saturday as he topped the times in qualifying for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.
The in-form Monegasque clocked a best lap of one minute and 31.628 seconds to improve his time in the final seconds and set up an end to Mercedes’ fiveyear domination of the event since it began in 2014.
After three successive Ferrari wins, two from Leclerc, he appears set to extend the scarlet scuderia’s run of success to four races, his performance making him the first Ferrari driver since Michael Schumacher secured four straight poles in 2001 when Leclerc was aged three.
Series leader and defending f i ve- t i me champion Lewis Hamilton pulled out a dazzling final sector and final lap to take second ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the other Ferrari by a narrow margin.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took fourth but, because of a penalty, dropped to the fifth row, with Valtteri Bottas in the Mercedes joining Vettel on the second row.
“The car felt amazing. It definitely feels amazing to be back on pole, but I don’t know if it’s the best track to start on pole,” said Leclerc.
“The straight at the start is very long. It definitely feels very special (to take four consecutive poles), but I don’t want to think about those stats!”
Hamilton said he remained amazed at Ferrari’s power and speed on the straights.
“I tell you, it was a tough session. These guys have another level on the straights —jet mode.
“I gave it everything I had and the team was able to tinker and push forward... I didn’t expect to get on the front row.”
Vettel said: “Obviously I’m not entirely happy and extracted the maximum from the car. Turn One is a long way, and we’re on different tyre strategies compared to the Mercs. Personally, I need a good start and then you worry about the race.”
Hamilton is bidding for his first win since the summer break and his Mercedes team is often the dominant force in Russia, having won all of the five races staged here.
Hamilton is 65 points ahead of teammate Bottas in his quest for a sixth world title, but looks to have his work cut out against Leclerc.
Earlier on Saturday, Mclaren said the team will be powered by Mercedes from 2021, ending its association with Renault at the end of the 2020 campaign. The long-term agreement will run until at least 2024.