Formula 1 qualifying results: Starting grid for 2021 Russian Grand Prix

A wet and wild qualifying session could make for a chaotic Russian Grand Prix.

Rain water coated the track on Saturday, but that proved to be no real issue for Lando Norris, who starts Sunday's race in Sochi on pole, the first of his F1 career.

POLE FOR LANDO NORRIS! 😮👏#RussianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/Lg0FCljRDr

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 25, 2021

MORE: Watch Formula 1 live with fuboTV (7-day free trial)

The qualifying session was wrought with drama. Lewis Hamilton planted his car into the wall on pit lane, costing himself a new front wing and a good attempt at a flying lap in Q3. It also cost teammate Valtteri Bottas, who finished qualifying in seventh.

If Max Verstappen plans to keep the lead of the driver's championship, then the Red Bull driver will have to be on the charge. Originally assessed a three-spot grid penalty for his collision with Lewis Hamilton at the Italian GP, a power unit change pushed Verstappen all the way to the back of the grid entering Sunday's race.

Here's how they'll line up this Sunday in Russia:

Formula 1 starting lineup for 2021 Russian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc and Nicholas Latifi all start at the back of the grid after changing power units. 

McLaren sits on pole for the first time since 2012:

What channel is the F1 race on Sunday?

• Race: Russian Grand Prix
• Date: Sunday, Sept. 26
• TV channel: ESPN
• Live stream: WatchESPN, fuboTV

The ESPN family of networks will broadcast all 2021 F1 races in the United States using Sky Sports' feed with a few races heading to ABC later in the season.

In addition, ESPN Deportes serves as the exclusive Spanish-language home for all 2021 F1 races in the U.S.

What time does the F1 race start on Sunday?

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 26
• Start time: 8 a.m. ET

The 8 a.m. ET start time for Sunday's race means the 2021 Russian GP will start at 3 p.m. local time. The on-the-hour start time means lights out will likely take place just after 8 a.m. ET. ESPN's pre-race show usually airs in the hour prior to the start of the race.

Below is the complete TV schedule for the weekend's F1 events at the Russian GP.

Formula 1 live stream for Russian Grand Prix

For those who don't have a cable or satellite subscription, there are four major OTT TV streaming options that carry ESPN: fuboTV, Sling, Hulu, YouTubeTV and AT&T Now. Of the four, Hulu and YouTubeTV offer free trial options.

Below are links to each.

• fuboTV (free trial)
• Sling
• Hulu (free trial)
• YouTubeTV (free trial)
• AT&T Now

For those who do have a cable or satellite subscription but are not in front of a TV, Formula 1 races in 2021 can be streamed live via phones, tablets and other devices on the ESPN app with authentication.

Formula 1 schedule 2021

Formula 1 returns in 2021 with a zaftig 23-race schedule, starting with the Bahrain Grand Prix on March 28 and concluding with the customary Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Dec. 12.

The Canadian GP was canned as the country continues to wrangle with coronavirus issues, and F1 added the Styrian GP in its stead. The French GP moves up a week to June 20.

The race originally scheduled for Oct. 3 in Singapore was also axed with the Turkish GP rejoining the schedule for the same date. That race takes place at Istanbul City Circuit.

The Portuguese Grand Prix returns for its second-consecutive running after a 22-year absence. Also making its debut this year is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, which is scheduled for December.