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Mercedes’ George Russell on Saturday night claimed his first Formula 1 victory by clinching the pole during the Sprint race at the Brazilian GP. The Mercedes driver started third after Kevin Magnussen of Haas and two-time world champion Max Verstappen but surpassed the two to secure pole ahead of the final race.
The 24-year-old Briton, who now has a F1 win to his name, achieved this feat in his 81st Grand Prix weekend. However, Russell had a forgetful qualifying at the Interlagos as he struck in the gravel after skating a slippery cut but still started third due to an edge with his timing.
It was Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz who finished second in the Sprint behind the Briton. While it was seven-time champion and Brazil citizen Lewis Hamilton who finished third as Verstappen slipped to fourth from his second-place finish in the qualifying.
The young Mercedes driver was too elated to secure his first win in F1 as he said, “Lining up alongside LH on the front row tomorrow”.
Talking about Russell, the Briton is currently fourth in the Drivers’ Standings, behind Max Verstappen (1st ), Sergio Perez (2nd ), Charles Leclerc (3rd ).
The F1 2022 season is almost on its last leg. With only one race left to take place at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Red Bull have already secured the championship title. Max Verstappen has also secured his second Formula 1 title after clinching the podium at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this year.