George Russell took an emotional first Formula One Grand Prix victory on Sunday (November 13) to end a season-long blank for Mercedes in a one-two with seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton in Brazil.
Russell led from the start at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit after winning Saturday’s 100km sprint, a race that determined Sunday’s starting grid, to halt a run of nine wins in a row by champions Red Bull.
Hamilton, winner of a record 103 races and three in Brazil, congratulated his team mate for an “amazing drive.”
In a lively race with two safety car periods, honorary Brazilian Hamilton overcame an early collision with Red Bull’s double world champion Max Verstappen to race back in front of a cheering crowd.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished third, with teammate Charles Leclerc fourth and unhappy that Ferrari did not order a switch given his battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez for second in the championship.
