Lewis Hamilton ran the gauntlet of a dramatic qualifying session – before setting himself up to match Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories by grabbing pole position for the Russian Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton took pole position after qualifying for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday. Hamilton has all-but confirmed pole with another rapid lap, improving his time again. Hamilton’s poise has been crucial here, complete calm from the Brit and he’s overcome a troubled Q1 and Q2 to get back on top in Sochi. Hamilton leads Bottas by almost eight tenths, Verstappen in third just under a second back. Lewis Hamilton flies in fourth, sixth tenths behind Ricciardio. Lewis Hamilton somehow makes it to the line before the Q2 timer ticks down to zero. The session has been red flagged and it is now going to be close as to whether Hamilton can get a lap in… currently he has no time registered for Q2. Hamilton’s first Q2 lap comes in almost a second faster than his team-mate, with Leclerc and Vettel another half a second back. Lewis Hamilton can equal Michael Schumacher’s 91 Formula One wins on Sunday, and pole position here will be crucial in boosting his chance of holding-off Bottas and Verstappen. Lewis Hamilton topped the time-sheets once more, denying his team-mate Bottas a practice hat-trick after the Brit qualified just 19th in FP1.

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