GGeorge Russell has clinched his first Grand Prix victory in Formula 1. The 24-year-old Brit won the Brazilian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, giving his German works team Mercedes its first success of the year. Second was his highly decorated teammate Lewis Hamilton. International media write about the race:
Great Britain
The Telegraph: “Shortly after getting out of his car, George Russell put his head in his hands and sobbed to himself as he contemplated the magnitude of what he had just accomplished. Ever since his earliest days in King’s Lynn, Norfolk and driving across the country as part of the junior karting scene, he had always dreamed exactly of winning a Formula 1 Grand Prix.”
The Guardian: “Russell won after repelling a late attack from teammate Lewis Hamilton and claimed his first victory with an exceptional drive, showing nerves of steel and maturity under intense pressure. Meanwhile, at Red Bull, the doors and faces closed. What was Max Verstappen doing there?
“Daily Mail”: “It was George’s Day.”
“The Sun”: “George Russell has won his first F1 GP – and thus denied Lewis Hamilton the dream victory in Brazil.”
Spain
“Marca”: “You can’t ask for more from an F1 race.”
“Mundo Deportivo”: “Today George Russell clinched his first victory in Formula 1, confirming that Mercedes is back with Hamilton in second place.”
Netherlands
De Volkskrant: “The Brazilian Grand Prix was a relief for anyone who feared that next season could be as bland as it sometimes seemed this year. The race delivered more stories than all 20 races before it, which will no doubt be repeated sooner or later in 2023.”
France
“Le Figaro”: “The German company had been waiting for him. So George Russell has clinched his first career win at 24, but more importantly Mercedes’ first of the season. (…) The icing on the cake was Lewis Hamilton’s second place after a turbulent race in which he was rammed by Verstappen on lap seven.”
Italy
“Corriere dello Sport”: “With a double win, Mercedes was reborn on the Interlagos circuit.”
“Gazzetta dello Sport”: “The more races go by, the more Lewis Hamilton’s hunt for the last record he still lacks seems to be cursed. In Brazil, his teammate George Russell robs him of victory. In Brazil, Mercedes manages the transformation from ugly duckling to reborn queen.”
“La Stampa”: “Russell, the first win is unforgettable. Mercedes is returning to 2021, but that’s not a step backwards. We are finally seeing the duels between Hamilton and Verstappen again. However, the new protagonist is the Englishman George Russell, to whom Lewis Hamilton also has to capitulate, which would have been unimaginable a few months ago.”
“Tuttosport”: “George Russell took first place, crowning his first season with Mercedes and also experiencing the satisfaction of leaving Lewis Hamilton behind. For Mercedes, the win is a wonderful achievement considering the technical condition the team was in at the beginning of the year.”
Austria
“Kronen Zeitung”: “Red Bull’s cracking! World champion Max Verstappen not only refused a stable order at the Brazilian Grand Prix, but also showed his true face, according to team-mate Sergio Perez.”
“Kurier”: “Zoff at Red Bull: Formula 1 world champion Verstappen ignores team orders”
“Der Standard”: “Verstappen caused a scandal because he didn’t let his team-mate Sergio Perez overtake him shortly before the end, despite instructions from his team.”
Switzerland
“Blick”: “The emotional premier victory of George Russell (24) and second place for Hamilton is quickly added to the bulls’ anger. On the penultimate lap, World Champion Verstappen refuses to let his team-mate Pérez pass again following instructions over the radio.”
“Tages-Anzeiger”: “It is the first victory ever for Mercedes in a difficult year. It will even be a one-two, the first since Imola 2020, when Hamilton won ahead of Bottas.”
