It’s race week and that can only mean one thing, more drama! A heavy triple-header followed by a break, and now the circus heads to Russia for 53 laps of action. However, before the race weekend begins, we have the upcoming drivers’ conferences on Thursday, one with some exciting pairings.

As the tensions on the track increase throughout the field, there are often a lot of interesting discussions and revelations that take place during the conferences. The organizers have put together a couple of surprising matches that will undoubtedly make things enthralling.

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Former teammates and future teammates

One of the more surprising pairings revealed is former teammates Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez. Once in a partnership at Force India, the two drivers didn’t have the most friendly time together.

An alliance marked by crashes and bad blood, it will be interesting to see the two drivers share the mic at Sochi. The two are at very different stages of their careers compared to their time in Force India. Both Grand Prix winners with a secure future with good teams, one can only expect fruitful conversation between the two.

Raikkonen and Vettel will make it to the teammates’ reunion as well. After missing out on two races, Kimi Raikkonen returns to the F1 grid and will spend the conference with Ferrari teammate Sebastian Vettel. Both the champions are likely to have very contrasting conversations as Aston Martin has confirmed Vettel for 2022 – a season Kimi won’t be a part of.

As former teammates unite, Valtteri Bottas shares the stage with the driver who could accompany him next year; Antonio Giovinazzi is still unconfirmed for the 2022 season. Nonetheless, it will be compelling to see what the two drivers have to say.

Other pairings for the Russian GP conference

We have half of the F1 quartet together as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc look to bring the McLaren-Ferrari rivalry to the stage. The rookie meets the legend as Yuki Tsunoda and Lewis Hamilton will face the media together.

Mick Schumacher has a lot to look forward to as he gets paired with Daniel Ricciardo. More Monza talk and Schumacher documentary analysis, with some laughs in as well; this is the pairing to look forward to!

Fernando Alonso will be discussing the weekend ahead with Lance Stroll, while Red Bull Academy graduates Carlos Sainz and Pierre Gasly do the same. Haas and Williams make a feature together as Nikita Mazepin will sit alongside Nicholas Latifi.

After his race at Monza, Max Verstappen will face the cameras with a driver who could potentially challenge him for the title in the future, George Russell. Could this possibly be the genesis of the next-gen Red Bull – Mercedes rivalry?

As the weekend draws near, you can catch the press conference at 12:30 PM on Thursday; it will surely be the perfect preface for a thrilling Russian GP.

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