Russell gives Mercedes season’s 1st win

SAO PAULO: Chased to the end by Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton, a tearful George Russell won his first race in Formula One by 1 1/2 seconds at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

It was also Mercedes’ first GP win of an otherwise disappointing season with Hamilton making it an impressive 1-2 for the team in a statement of intent for next season. “I need some tissues,” Russell said from inside his crash helmet on Sunday. “I am crying, boys and girls.”

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. completed the podium at Interlagos. The 24-year-old Russell dominated the race in Sao Paulo from the start. He had seven podium finishes before Sunday’s victory.

Russell became the first Brit driver to hear “God Save the King” played for the winner after the death of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 and accession of King Charles III. “It has been an emotional roller coaster ... Lewis put me under so much pressure,” Russell said.