Russian GP Qualifying Session: Charles Leclerc Ends Ferrari's Pole Drought In Sochi For His Fourth In A Row

Charles Leclerc is gradually becoming a man to beat both at the qualifiers and final race as he extended his pole dominance to four races in a row at the qualify session for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Until now, Sochi has been Mercedes' stronghold but the Monegasque snapped that for his fourth pole, shoving Lewis Hamilton yet again to second place and Sebastian Vettel finished third.

Michael Schumacher was the last Ferrari driver to win in Sochi since 2000 and 2001 but that drought ended with Leclerc in 1:36.628 seconds. Meanwhile, Hamilton has not won a race since Hungary GP neither has he pole at any qualifiers.

"It definitely feels great to [be] back on pole," said Leclerc who will be put to the best in the final by Hamilton. "I don't know if it's the best best track to start on pole."

McLaren's Carlos Sainz delivered his best  performance for the British race team, taking the fifth place behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas took the six slot.

Ferrari engine power has gained tremendous power and pace unlike what it was, even Hamilton admitted to improvements in his rivals car performance describing their engine pull as "jet mode".

The five-time Formula 1 titlist said of qualifying, "It was a tough qualifying session because these guys have some crazy speed on the straight  they go to another level. The whole party [engine] mode you talk about us having."