Russian Grand Prix 2020 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Valtteri Bottas claimed a crucial victory at the Russian Grand Prix, capitalizing on Lewis Hamilton's pre-race grid penalties to secure his second win of the season at the Sochi Autodrom. Hamilton had dominated qualifying to take pole position but received two five-second time penalties for performing practice starts in the wrong location, forcing him to start from third on the grid. Bottas seized the opportunity, converting his front-row start into the lead and controlling the race from the front.

Max Verstappen finished second for Red Bull after a strong recovery drive, while Hamilton could only salvage third place despite setting the fastest lap. The championship leader had performed his practice starts outside the designated zone at the pit exit, earning him two separate penalties that were applied during his pit stop. The penalties dropped him back in the order, and despite his best efforts, he couldn't challenge for the win. The result narrowed Hamilton's championship lead, though he remained comfortably ahead with the title still firmly within his grasp.

The race marked a rare moment of satisfaction for Bottas, who had struggled to match his teammate's consistency throughout the season. His victory, combined with Hamilton's penalties, gave him hope of mounting a late-season championship challenge. However, with Mercedes' dominance secure and Hamilton's points advantage still substantial, the title race remained largely a formality. The Russian GP provided one of the few weekends where circumstances, rather than pace, determined the outcome.