F1 Russian Grand Prix: 5 Talking points from qualifying

#4 Renault playing it clever with tyre strategy

Renault didn't make it to Q3

Renault made an interesting move during Q2 and didn't even put a single flying lap that session, which came as a surprise to many as Renault had a very good chance to put both the cars into Q3.

This move guaranteed the team 11th and 12th places on the grid for Sunday's race. Renault seems to be happy with the move as it would not necessarily have to start the race on hypersofts, which would allow them to have a longer first stint.

This is a clever move by the French team as both the cars have suffered from high levels of tyre wear throughout the season, and starting the race from 11th and 12th with a harder compound could allow the team to score valuable points and move further away from Haas in the championship table.