Russian Grand Prix Talking Points

Mercedes face fight to land title

It has been inevitable since the first session of the first winter test in February and this weekend Mercedes could finally confirm themselves as Constructors Champions.

All they have to do is outscore nearest rivals Ferrari by three points.

However, there is a twist. Russia’s Sochi circuit is similar to Singapore.

Around Marina Bay, Mercedes were dismantled by Ferrari and Red Bull as they struggled to make the Pirelli tyres work. They face a similar prospect on Sunday.

Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg dominated in Japan last time out, but with the super soft and soft tyres back in action things are likely to be much tougher.

It is hard to imagine Mercedes failing to win the Constructors title sooner rather than later, but the champagne might have to be out on ice as Sebastian Vettel,  Daniel Ricciardo and co prepare an attack.

Red Bull’s future hangs in the balance

Bernie Ecclestone is facing a crisis, as he battles to keep Red Bull on the grid beyond November.

The Austrian team have had a dismal time in the last two years, and have blamed Renault’s engines.

Their solution was simple: Switch to Mercedes. However, the German team won’t do business, while Ferrari will only supply 2015 engines next year.

That leaves Red Bull in a delicate position as it means that if they want to remain in F1, they have to re-negotiate a deal with Renault, who they have largely trashed for the past year.

In Russia, it is all coming to a head. Renault has said that a deal is difficult. Red Bull is holding crisis talks.

Ecclestone has promised there will be 22 cars on the grid next year. He will have to use all of his diplomatic skills to sort this one out.

Russia needs to impress

The 2016 F1 calendar is ripping up the rules, and bringing Russia forward from October to May is one of its more dramatic moves.

F1 will be back on the Black Sea resort in just seven months’ time. To whet the appetite, this weekend needs to run smoothly.

Last season, its debut was largely spoilt by the accident to Jules Bianchi in the previous race, while the focus on Vladimir Putin and the poor race on show didn’t help.

This year, it needs to be better. On an uninspiring track, dull races can kill a circuit. Ask Korea, India and Turkey.

The weekend has got off to a bad start with a strange oil spill ruining first practice. It needs to get far better from here, or a reputation will be forged.

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