SAO PAULO: George Russell took an emotional first Formula One Grand Prix victory on Sunday (Nov 13) to end a season-long blank for Mercedes in a one-two with seven-times world champion Lewis Hamilton in Brazil.Russell led from the start at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit after winning Saturday's 100km sprint, a race that determined Sunday's starting grid, to halt a run of nine wins in a row by champions Red Bull."This is just the beginning," Russell shouted over the team radio after being told he was a Formula One winner, the 113th in the history of the sport."I knew we could do this.
I might need some tissues - I'm crying."Hamilton, winner of a record 103 races and three in Brazil, congratulated his team mate for an "amazing drive"."He did an amazing qualifying yesterday, so he truly deserves it ...
this is an incredible result," said the 37-year-old.In a lively race with two safety car periods, honorary Brazilian Hamilton overcame an early collision with Red Bull's double world champion Max Verstappen to race back in front of a cheering crowd.Ferrari's Carlos Sainz finished third, with team mate Charles Leclerc fourth and unhappy that Ferrari did not order a switch given his battle with Red Bull's Sergio Perez for second in the championship.Verstappen, who won his second title with four races to spare, helped Leclerc out by refusing to give back sixth place to Perez - who had earlier let him through - despite the team asking him to if he could not pass Alpine's Fernando Alonso."I have given you my reasons," said the Dutch driver by way of explanation.Russell led away cleanly from the start, with Hamilton slotting in behind, but the safety car was deployed when McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo and Haas's Kevin Magnussen