Once upon a time, Russia was a fixture on the Formula One schedule, with the first race in the Eastern European nation dating all the way back to 1913. In more recent years it was Sochi that was deemed the jewel in Russia’s Formula One crown, with drivers descending on the city between 2014 and 2021.
That all changed in 2022 though when Russia, with the backing of president Vladimir Putin, launched a full-scale invasion of neighbours Ukraine. As part of the sanctions imposed post-invasion, the FIA moved quickly to strip Russia of its hosting duties, with the race yet to return since.
The Sochi Autodrom wasn’t particularly renowned for its memorable moments on the Formula One circuit, but it did provide one of the more awkward encounters for Lewis Hamilton during his illustrious career. The Brit was victorious in five of his eight races in Sochi, meaning he was a regular on the podium.
It meant he was treated to several face-to-face meetings with Putin and during the celebrations for one race win, the Mercedes man went a little over the top with his champagne spraying. So much so, the accidental spray soaked the former KGB agent.
Putin didn’t forget this the next time they met, with Putin telling Hamilton: “I am accustomed to awarding you something each year. Year, after year,” following a second-placed finish at the 2016 Russian Grand Prix.
Hamilton, with a smirk on his face, replied: “This year I won’t spray you with Champagne. Last time it wasn’t me. It was someone else!” To which a sheepish Putin responded: “You are doing well – with champagne and with the race.”
Since the invasion of Ukraine, Hamilton has been an outspoken critic of the Russian government. Commenting just before the Russian Grand Prix was chalked off the Formula One calendar, the record champion said: “When we see injustice, it is important we stand against it. My heart goes out to all the courageous people of Ukraine who are facing such terrible attacks for simply choosing a better future and I stand with the Russian citizens who oppose this violence and seek peace, often at risk to their own freedom.”
The Sochi Autodrom held eight Formula One races, with Hamilton winning over half. Other victors included teammates Nico Rosberg and Valtteri Bottas, with Mercedes boasting a 100 per cent record at the track.