George Russell Secures First Formula 1 Victory in Brazil
George Russell wins the São Paulo Grand Prix, followed by his teammate, Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished third..
The race marked Russell’s first ever victory, Mercedes first one-two finish of the season, and first time of “God Save the King” in Formula 1.
George Russell started in pole and led during the 71 laps in Interlagos.
Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen were forced to retire after a collision at turn eight of the first lap, caused by the McLaren driver.
The first Safety Car of the race was deployed.
The lap 7 resumption led to a scrap between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen. Hamilton recovered, and maintained his position in 2nd place. The Red Bull driver was forced into the pits to change the front wing due to damage, coming out P17. The stewards gave Max Verstappen a five-seconds penalty for causing a collision.
At the same time, there was a battle for P5 between Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The McLaren caused a collision with the Ferrari. Norris later received a five-seconds penalty. Leclerc went into the pits, coming out P18.
After the collision, Norris couldn’t recover the pace. The problems led to a McLaren stop at the track due to a loss of power. The Safety Car was deployed.
The race resumed on Lap 60, with eleven laps to go. Russell maintained his lead, followed by Hamilton, and Sainz closing the podium.
Leclerc finished P4, Alonso P5, Verstappen P6, Pérez P7, Ocon P8, Bottas P9 and closing the points Stroll P10 .
Verstappen vs. Pérez
With Pérez ahead of his teammate, Red Bull instructed the Mexican to allow his teammate, Verstappen past him to “take some points off Alonso and Leclerc”.
Whilst Verstappen has already wrapped up the title, Pérez and Leclerc are fighting for the second position in the Drivers World Championship.
The Dutchman closed DRS range with Alonso, but was not able to make a move.
The Red Bull driver was asked to hand the place back to his teammate but Verstappen declined, and finished sixth, in front of Perez.
https://twitter.com/F1/status/1591921850585559040?s=20&t=15jLRdJoy9RqhENK1tnM0Q
In spanish: Checo Pérez about Verstappen: "I am very surprised after everything I have done for him. If he has 2 championships it is thanks to me".#BrazilGP #GPBrasil #BrazilianGP pic.twitter.com/yL4a1riPTU
— José Madrid (@josefco27) November 13, 2022
The Mercedes Alliance
Brazil was the location for the Mercedes’ first one-two finish of the season. The combination of Russell pace in the Mercedes, and the good team strategy served his first victory.
After the second SC, and an open possibility of a battle between Russell and Hamilton the rules were clear.
“You are racing, just be respectful,” was the message told to Russell by the pit wall.
Leclerc vs. Sainz
Carlos Sainz, good performance during the whole weekend, was reflected in the result achieving a third position in the podium.
During the last lap Charles Leclerc, contender for P2 in Drivers World Championship, pleaded to let him have the P3 of Sainz. A petition that Ferrari decided was “too risky”.
Next week is F1’s last date of the season at Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi. The second position of the Driver World Championship will be decided, along with the last race for F1 legend Sebastian Vettel, who won four Championships’ during his career.
