Max Verstappen (right) leads Lewis Hamilton by five points in the 2021 Drivers’ Championship
(Picture: Getty Images)The simmering rivalry for the 2021 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton will have the heat turned on again as the pair do battle at the Russian Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon.
Verstappen leads Hamilton by five points as he bids to deny the Mercedes driver securing a record-setting eighth world title.
There was drama last time around in Italy after the two collided to end each of their races without taking even a single point.
The Dutchman has been handed a three-place grid penalty for the race in Sochi after the Red Bull driver was deemed to be at fault for the collision.
The pair’s duel has only intensified since with a number of talking heads opining on the incident, and both may be glad to get back on track at the Sochi Autodrom.
Verstappen starts from the back of the grid as a result of a penalty for using too many engines, but Hamilton was only fourth in a rain-affected qualifying as McLaren's Lando Norris took pole position.
Hamilton was only fourth after crashing in the pit lane mid-way through the final sessions and then spinning on his final lap, as drivers risked slick tyres in the closing stages.
McLaren pai Norris and Daniel Ricciardo secured a one-two at the Italian Grand Prix.
Ricciardo’s victory at Monza ended a nine-year drought for the team as he held his nerve to capitalise on the title rivals’ early elimination from the race.
However at a track where Mercedes have never been beaten, Hamilton will have his eyes on nudging back ahead of Verstappen at the top of the F1 individual standings.
The British driver’s teammate Valtteri Bottas was the winner in Russia last year to continue a seven-year period of team dominance at the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.
When is the 2021 Russian Grand Prix?
The Russian Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on Sunday, September 26, 2021 at the Sochia Autodrom in Russia.
What time is the 2021 Russian Grand Prix?
The race is due to place at 1pm BST on Sunday.
How can I watch the 2021 Russian Grand Prix?
TV channel: The qualifying session and race will all be shown LIVE on Sky Sports F1.
The race coverage starts at 11.30am BST, intensifying at 12.55pm before the 1pm start.
Live stream: Subscribers can stream the action LIVE via the SkyGo website and app.
2021 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship Standings
1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, Red Bull Racing 226.5 points
2. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, Mercedes 221.5
3. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, Mercedes 141
4. Lando Norris, Great Britain, McLaren 132
5. Sergio Perez, Mexico, Red Bull 118
6. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, Ferrari 104
7. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, Ferrari 97.5
8. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, McLaren 83
9. Pierre Gasly, France, Alphatauri 66
10. Fernando Alonso, Spain, Alpine 50
11. Esteban Ocon, France, Alpine 45
12. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, Aston Martin 35
13. Lance Stroll, Canada, Aston Martin 24
14. Yuki Tsunoda, Japan, AlphaTauri 18
15. George Russell, Great Britain, Williams 15
16. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, Williams 7
17. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, Alfa Romeo 2
18. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, Alfa Romeo 1
19. Mick Schumacher, Germany, Haas 0
20. Nikita Mazepin, Russia, Haas 0
21. Robert Kubica, Poland, Alfa Romeo 0
