Top ten pictures from the 2018 Russian Grand Prix

Ten of the best pictures which tell the story of the 2018 Russian Grand Prix weekend.

Sergey Sirotkin

After three practice appearances at Sochi, Sergey Sirotkin finally got to start his home race.

Daniel Ricciardo

A strange sight at the beginning of first practice: Five drivers who were destined for grid position penalties lined up at the pit exit to influence their race starting order. Fernando Alonso won the race to wait at the red light.

Brendon Hartley

Toro Rosso confirmed Daniil Kvyat will replace Pierre Gasly next year – but will there be a place for Brendon Hartley?

Sebastian Vettel

After a tough Friday, Saturday didn’t get off to a good start for Ferrari. Sebastian Vettel failed to reach the pit exit for his final run before the session ended and had to traipse back to the garage.

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen, F1’s youngest-ever race-winner, podium-visitor and fastest-lapper, hit the ripe age of 21 on race day. He celebrated it with a consummate drive, climbing 14 places to finish fifth.

Start

Having locked out the front row of the grid, Mwercedes out-manouevred Ferrari perfectly at the start.

Brendon Hartley

Brake problems caused spins and retirements for both Toro Rosso drivers.

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton

A tactical blunder by Mercedes dropped Lewis Hamilton behind Sebastian Vettel. The Ferrari driver resisted hard at first, but Hamilton forced his way by at turn four.

Sebastian Vettel

After following the Mercedes pair home, Vettel investigated the state of their rear tyres.

Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton consoled Valtteri Bottas, who gave up what looked like being his first win of the year.