Verstappen starts at the back on Sunday due to an engine change
Soon in the 2nd free practice of the GP of Russia 2021, Red Bull announced that Verstappen will get a new engine this weekend. That means he will take grid penalties and start at the back on Sunday. So Mercedes looks set to have an easy weekend in Sochi, as they were fastest in the first practice. Still, a lot of rain could come this weekend, so everything is still possible.
The first red flag of this weekend appears after half an hour. Antonio Giovinazzi loses the rear of his Alfa Romeo in the twisty last sector and hits the wall. His rear wing can be thrown into the garbage and that part of the circuit has to be cleaned up. After just over ten minutes, the session can resume.
Verstappen wants more top speed
That last part of the training is mainly used by the drivers to drive racing simulations. Verstappen says over the radio that he cannot overtake anyone with that much downforce. So Max wants a little more top speed than he has now, but if he gets that, a little downforce will have to be sacrificed. That would be disadvantageous in a rain race.
2nd free practice of the Russian GP 2021
01. Valtteri Bottas
02. Lewis Hamilton
03. Pierre Gasly
04. Lando Norris
05. Esteban Ocon
Dates and times of the GP of Russia 2021
Saturday September 25, 2021
3rd free practice: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Qualification: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Race: 2:00 p.m.