Mercedes driver George Russell has claimed his maiden Formula 1 victory at Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix.
Having prevailed in Saturday's sprint race, Russell secured pole, and a clean getaway at the start ensured that the British driver led throughout the race.
Lewis Hamilton defied an early collision with Max Verstappen to fight his back through the field to claim second, only finishing behind his teammate by 1.529 seconds.
While Russell celebrates his first triumph at this level of the sport, Mercedes also won for the first time during the 2022 season.
Russell and Hamilton are fourth and fifth in the Drivers Standings, but the former now holds a 25-point advantage over his teammate and compatriot.
King George 👑#BrazilGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/ttyVnPCWfI
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 13, 2022
In a dramatic start, Daniel Riccardo tagged Kevin Magnussen and eliminated each of them from the race, and there was more drama upon the restart.
Verstappen and Hamilton made contact heading into turn two, the world champion deemed to be at fault despite Hamilton seemingly giving him a lack of space, while Lando Norris hit Charles Leclerc's Ferrari into the wall, although he was able to continue.
The trio all maneuvered their way back through the field, but Russell was able to remain out in front to leave his rivals competing for podium places.
Leclerc had wanted Ferrari to allow him to move past Carlos Sainz Jr into third in order to help his bid to finish second in the World Championship, but his request was denied.
Meanwhile, Verstappen had to make do with sixth spot, finishing ahead of teammate Sergio Perez despite Red Bull wanting to give the Mexican a place back after previously being allowed to push forward on his fresher tyres.
While driver of the day went to Hamilton, Fernando Alonso could count himself unfortunate not to pick up that accolade after finishing fifth on the back of starting all the way back in 17th.
Ahead of the final race in Abu Dhabi next week, the only major competition still to resolve is second place with Leclerc and Perez locked on the same points.
Darren Plant
