The qualifying session at the Russian Grand Prix has been an exciting one. McLaren’s Lando Norris takes his first pole position in his Formula One career, while Lewis Hamilton failed to feature in the front row.

With drivers such as Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Nicholas Latifi getting new engines, it will sure make Sunday’s race more exciting. So further ado, what is the starting grid for the Russian GP in Sochi?

Lando Norris takes pole, while Max Verstappen and Leclerc start at the back at the Russian GP

Britain’s Norris will start from the front tomorrow, while his former teammate, Carlos Sainz, places his Ferrari in P2. Williams’ George Russell makes it into the front row for the second time in his career.

Mercedes’ Hamilton was aiming for pole position but will see the five red lights from fourth place. Winner of the Italian GP, Daniel Ricciardo will start his race from P5. While Spain’s Fernando Alonso will start from P6, and Valtteri Bottas finds himself in P7.

Top Stories

How F1’s 2026 Engine Rules Sound Alarm Bells for NASCAR and Others? – Explained

Max Verstappen’s Siblings: Everything We Know About Victoria, Blue Jaye, Jason Jaxx, and Mila Faye

Who Are Lando Norris’s Parents? Meet Adam Norris and Cisca Wauman

Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Contradicts His Daughter on F1’s Age-Old Issue Amid Cheering for His Better Half Susie Wolff

Who Is Oscar Piastri’s Father, Chris Piastri? Co-Founder of Multibillion Dollar Automotive Company

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez could only manage to qualify ninth fastest, while Esteban Ocon rounds up the top-10. A frustrated Sebastian Vettel will have to settle for P11, and AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly finds himself in P12.

Down in P13 is the Frenchman’s teammate, Yuki Tsunoda. Latifi did make it into Q2, but a new engine sees him start at the back on Sunday.  Leclerc did feature in the first quali session but will start from the back due to a new power unit.

Kimi Raikkonen could only manage to be sixteenth fastest on the timesheet, while Haas rookie Mick Schumacher finds himself in P17. Antonio Giovinazzi is in P18, with Nikita Mazepin behind him. Verstappen too will see the back of the grid as he brought a new power unit to Sochi.

Watch Story: From Serena Williams to Chris Hemsworth: Celebrities Lured by the Glitz and Glamor of Monaco

Another win for McLaren this weekend?

Last race weekend, the Woking-based outfit managed a one-two finish courtesy of Ricciardo and Norris. Now in Russia for this weekend’s race, the Brit has managed to grab pole position.

McLaren and Lando both know this is a great opportunity to grab another win; earning crucial points in the constructor’s championship. What are your expectations from the papaya team on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More: McLaren F1 Boss Reveals the Value of Lando Norris’ Consistent Show This Season