Sprint Race to Russell, Carlos Sainz 2nd puts on a show, Charles Leclerc 6th

Mercedes triumph in a pulse-pounding Sprint Race.

George Russell will start ahead of everyone in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after winning a Sprint Race at Interlagos characterized by 24 laps of spectacular battles. Decisive for the Mercedes Briton was his overtaking move on Max Verstappen, who was then also overtaken by a blistering Carlos Sainz in his Ferrari and second at the finish. More in trouble was Charles Leclerc, only sixth.

At Interlagos, it’s spectacle from the start, with Kevin Magnussen retaining the lead and the Alpine cars making contact (via radio Fernando Alonso, forced to replace the front wing, is stern with Esteban Ocon). On the second pass Verstappen overtakes the Haas and gets ahead of everyone. Behind him, however, a surging Russell re-emerges and immediately goes after him.

Verstappen pays for his choice of medium tires, against the softs of all rivals. As early as lap 12 he then has to resist Russell’s mighty attacks, who tries almost every corner for three laps. Only on the 14th does the world champion give up. Meanwhile, behind them Sainz’s Ferrari comes closer and closer, while Leclerc struggles in a comeback that nevertheless leads him to get the better of the various Ocon, Norris and Magnussen.

Then on lap 19 comes the attack by Sainz, who slips into the first chicane surprising Verstappen. The Dutchman, in an attempt to defend himself, touches his opponent’s Ferrari, losing some pieces of the front wing. Hamilton immediately takes advantage of this, taking third position and in the final, vainly approaching Sainz, who retains second place. Only at the finish line, however: due to engine replacement, in fact, he will be forced to start from seventh position in Sunday’s Grand Prix.

GP Sao Paulo 2022, Sprint Race:

1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
7. Lando Norris (McLaren)
8. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
9. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)
10. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)