Russian Grand Prix 2021 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton capitalized on heartbreak for Lando Norris to win a dramatic Russian Grand Prix decided by a late rain shower, while Max Verstappen salvaged crucial second place despite starting from the back of the grid. The race at Sochi delivered one of the season's most emotional finishes as Norris' maiden victory slipped agonizingly through his fingers.

Norris claimed his first career pole position and controlled the race brilliantly for 51 of 53 laps, building a commanding lead over Hamilton. With just three laps remaining and light rain beginning to fall, McLaren and Norris made the fateful decision to stay out on slick tires while Hamilton pitted for intermediates. As the rain intensified, Norris' McLaren became undriveable on slicks. He spun multiple times in the final two laps, desperately trying to make it to the finish, but ultimately had to pit and dropped to seventh. The decision to stay out cost him what would have been a maiden victory, leaving the young Briton devastated.

Hamilton inherited the lead and claimed his 100th career victory, a historic milestone. Verstappen's recovery drive from 20th on the grid - due to a power unit penalty - to finish second was remarkable, minimizing the championship damage. Carlos Sainz completed the podium for Ferrari, while Norris claimed fastest lap despite his late struggles. The result extended Hamilton's championship lead to two points, but the psychological impact of Verstappen's damage limitation from the back of the grid was significant. Norris' heartbreak became one of the season's defining emotional moments.