F1 Russian Grand Prix: 5 Predictions for Qualifying

#2 Ferrari struggles to keep pace with the leaders

Vettel was 0.5 seconds slower than Hamilton in FP2

Surprisingly, Ferrari are struggling to keep up with Mercedes and Red Bull. Sebastian Vettel was the fastest if the first practice session but his slender lead quickly vanished with the strong shows of other teams. The German, who is on a very aggressive tyre strategy, was 0.5 seconds slower than Lewis Hamilton in the second practice session.

Kimi Raikkonen's performances were worse with the veteran driver from Finland finishing seventh in FP1 and sixth in FP2. On both occasions, Raikkonen was at least a second slower than the session leader.

With the way things are right now, Sebastian Vettel might not start higher than third place at the Russian Grand Prix. On the other hand, the Finn might have to settle for fourth as the Red Bulls will start the race from the back of the grid due to the grid-penalties.