Russell picked up eight points and first place on the grid for Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix after charging from third place on the grid to win the final F1 sprint of the season, beating rival Red Bull Verstappen in a wheel battle against wheel.
Russell was helped by starting on the soft tire over Verstappen’s medium, and was able to get within DRS range of the two-time world champion for the lead once the two had knocked out pole sitter Kevin Magnussen.
But Russell’s first two attempts to pass Verstappen proved futile as the Dutchman defended into Turn 4, skirting the inside line to ensure he stayed ahead.
On Lap 15, Russell attempted a move to Turn 1 before lining up a running move to Turn 4 and using DRS to grab the lead before turning into the turn.
Russell then pulled away to win the sprint 3.9 seconds clear of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, meaning he will line up P1 on the grid at Interlagos tomorrow. Verstappen dropped back to fourth after sustaining damage to his front wing.
Asked about his move on Verstappen, Russell explained that it was “a bit difficult” due to the risk of falling at the back of the field and a possible incident.
“Obviously it’s a sprint race, and you have to manage that risk-reward,” Russell explained after the race.
“So even though I was dying to get that win, I didn’t want to risk too much and end up with zero points and start at the back.
“But we made it stick, lucky third time.”
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB18, George Russell, Mercedes W13
Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
With Sainz losing five places due to an engine change, Mercedes will lock down the front row of the grid on Sunday after Lewis Hamilton moved past third in the 24-lap sprint.
It marked a big breakthrough for Mercedes in a season that has seen it struggle to match Red Bull and Ferrari on pace, failing to win a race all season.
“I didn’t expect to have this much pace, but I think it shows all the hard work everyone has done and the progress we’ve made as a team,” Russell said.
“The last three races since Austin, the car has felt really good. Obviously it’s hard to know how Max could have gotten away with it if he had been on soft tyres. But nonetheless, being here is a great feeling.
Russell added he believed Verstappen would “fly tomorrow” from third place behind the two Mercedes cars and remain a threat.
“But we’re in a luxury position where maybe we can split the strategy and go for the win,” he added.
