F1 News
Russell fends off Hamilton for first win: "Put me under so much pressure"
George Russell can now call himself a Formula 1 Grand Prix winner after taking the chequered flag first in the Brazilian Grand Prix. He climbed out of the car in tears after a strong drive where he had to keep seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton in his mirrors after Mercedes gave them permission to race.
Russell would've started this season with hopes of winning the World Championship. He waited patiently for the Mercedes seat, and when he finally got the contract from Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes delivered a car not capable of winning races. Hard work from the whole team followed and updates arrived for a late-season revival. Mercedes got close in Mexico but took the Brazillian race with both hands to secure the win.
Mercedes reported their drivers were free to race, and Russell ensured he kept a gap of more than one second ahead of his seven-time World Champion teammate. Russell described the feeling he felt in the post-session interviews.
Russell defends from Hamilton
"An amazing feeling. Huge thank you to the team for making it possible. It's been an emotional rollercoaster this season. This race was really tough. I felt in control but Lewis was super faster. Then I saw the safety car and thought, this would be really difficult. He put me under so much pressure," Russell said in the post-session interview.
"I am speechless. On the in lap, all the memories come flooding back. Starting off with my mum and dad in karting, all the support from my family."