Russian GP: Final weekend of F3, a special encounter with F2 and a fight for valuable points in F1

The race in Sochi has had the label of a not very attractive weekend in recent years. However, considering this season, it could be a bit better. In addition to the 20 chosen drivers of the queen of motorsport, the track in Russia will also feature young predators from the F2 and F3 categories. The latter names, including Czech Roman Stanek, will also get to know the champion for 2021.

Let’s start with F3, where Norwegian Dennis Hauger should easily take the overall win, with a 43-point lead over second-placed Jack Doohan.

While it’s possible to collect up to 65 championship points in one weekend, it’s almost unrealistic that Doohan would leapfrog the Prema driver. Races are at 7:35 and 12:40 on Saturday, with the main race on Sunday at 8:55 (all times CET).

Formula 2 returns to the track just as F1 did after 14 days of racing at Monza in Italy. F2 has only the sixth of eight race weekends to go and compared to the lower category of drivers, the standings are much more evenly matched.

Leader Oscar Piastri is only 15 points behind his nearest pursuer. China’s Kuan-yu Zhou will be highly motivated to win the F2 title, as his name is currently the most frequently mentioned with a move to Alfa Romeo. The duel between Prema’s Piastri and UNI_Virtuosi’s Zhou will offer a possible hint of a showdown in Sochi.

In the queen of motorsport, the increasingly fierce battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton continues. After both failed to finish the main race in Italy, the Dutchman remains 5 points ahead of his rival in the World Championship. Verstappen has never won in Russia and only scored his first podium here last year when he finished second.

The situation could also be changed by a possible change in Verstappen’s power unit. Mercedes is generally better suited to the track in Sochi, which is why it can be assumed that the seven-time F1 champion could return to the top of the standings.

Outside the battle at the front, the battle between McLaren and Ferrari for third place in the Constructors’ Cup continues, but it could also be interesting to watch George Russell, who has scored points in three of the last four races at Williams.

So let’s do one final recap. In F3 we’re looking for confirmation of Dennis Hauger’s triumph, and in F2 and F1 the battle for the title continues.

In the queen of motorsport, the advantage is expected to go to Mercedes, which will not only confirm its position at the head of the constructors, but should have a representative back at the head of the individuals.

Source: F1, F2, F3