HIGHLIGHTS: Watch all the action from a dramatic Russian GP qualifying session

Lewis Hamilton took pole position for the Russian Grand Prix – but only after he survived a massive scare when he came within seconds of being knocked out of Q2 in a drama-filled qualifying session at Sochi.

The reigning world champion – aiming for a record-equalling 91st Grand Prix victory this weekend – was in the drop zone in Q2 after having a lap time deleted for a track limits infringement, when Sebastian Vettel crashed heavily at Turn 4 to bring out the red flags.

READ MORE: Hamilton survives Q2 scare to beat Verstappen to Russia pole, as Vettel crashes heavily

At the restart, Hamilton crossed the line with less than two seconds to spare to start his final flying lap before the clock stopped. Thankfully for the Mercedes man he pulled a decent lap out of the bag under pressure to go fourth and make it through to the top 10 shoot out.

And once he was in the fight for pole, the British ace was on scintilating form as he battled team mate Valtteri Bottas and Red Bull's Max Verstappen for top spot on the grid for Sunday's race.

Hit play in the video above to see all the action from a thrilling qualifying session.