Vitaly Petrov became the first Russian driver ever to compete in Formula One when he joined Renault in early 2010. He would spend three seasons at the top echelon, securing a career-best result of third at the 2011 Australian Grand Prix.

Although only Daniil Kvyat has succeeded Petrov in F1 since then, there's no denying Russia's increasing involvement in motorsports over the past few years, as highlighted by this weekend's trip to Sochi.

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

A promising F1 career sadly gone South

Stephen South, born on this day 74 years ago, once rose through the junior ranks…

30 mins ago

McLaren and Norris fastest midday in Bahrain on Day 5

Lando Norris set the pace in Thursday’s first session in Bahrain pre-season test, putting McLaren…

1 hour ago

FIA trials longer start procedure to ease turbo challenges

The FIA has chosen to trial in Bahrain a new Formula 1 start procedure –…

2 hours ago

Vettel teases dream Le Mans team-up with Verstappen

Sebastian Vettel may have retired from Formula 1, but the four-time world champion is clearly…

3 hours ago

Alonso: Aston Martin’s problems fixable – but time is slipping away

Fernando Alonso has insisted that Aston Martin’s troubled new-generation AMR26 can be fixed, but warned…

4 hours ago

Mekies has ‘zero concern’ over Verstappen losing interest in F1

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has forcefully brushed aside fears that Max Verstappen could…

18 hours ago