Hamilton leads rush to haul in Leclerc

VLADIMIR PUTIN, who usually shows up once the Russian Grand Prix is under way, is in danger of missing the crunch moment — a 200mph test of nerve and skill into the first big bend.

It is Charles Leclerc, the pole-sitter today, versus two multiple world champions behind him, Lewis Hamilton in the Mercedes and Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari. Pole is not a huge advantage here with that long blast through a flat-out kink into the first true obstacle, Turn Two, a 90-degree right-hander offering the chance for the pursers to pass Leclerc, who became the only Ferrari driver since Michael Schumacher 18 years ago to secure four straight poles.

Hamilton said: ‘It is a long way down to Turn Two but I am going to try to tow the life out of Charles if I get the chance.’

Leclerc finished 0.402sec ahead of Hamilton and fractions more in front of Vettel. It was a decent showing by the Briton, who was sixth-tenths faster than his team-mate Valtteri Bottas. ‘These guys have some crazy speeds on the straight,’ said Hamilton, who is without a pole since the German race in July. ‘Ferrari go to another level. They have jet mode.

‘I gave it absolutely everything I could at the end and I am so glad it came together. I wasn’t expecting to be on the front row. It was my best lap of the weekend. There were no mistakes. I got everything and more from the car to split the Ferraris, which is not an easy task.’

Meanwhile, McLaren have confirmed they will drop Renault and instead be powered by Mercedes engines from 2021. TV — Today 12.05pm. LIVE on Sky F1. Highlights at 6pm Channel 4