Speed-trap: who is the fastest down the straight?

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If you're young, you're fast. At least down a straight and with Mercedes power in your back, as Lance Stroll's top speed yesterday in qualifying demonstrated.

The Williams rookie clocked a 331.2 km/h down Sochi's main straight.

It's interesting to note that while he secured P8 in qualifying, Nico Hulkenberg's Renault suffered almost a 13 km/h deficit in top speed compared to Stroll.

All Renault-powered drivers show a relatively substantial deficit, which perhaps confirms some teams' suspicions about engine parity as claimed by the FIA.

Also, for all his complaints about how slow his McLaren is in a straight line, Fernando Alonso was still 12th fastest through the speed trap.

Obviously, aerodynamic drag for each car is also a top speed factor.

Gallery: All the action from Saturday in Sochi

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.