George Russell produced an excellent performance to win an F1 Sprint race for the first time – taking the lead after battling for several laps with Max Verstappen.
In truth, it was an afternoon to forget for Red Bull. Verstappen started poorly, rallied to take the lead – but after he was passed by Russell he picked up damage and slipped further back, meaning he will start further back than he would like on Sunday.
Red Bull's loss was Mercedes' gain, though. Russell's victory was boosted by Lewis Hamilton finishing third, sandwiching Carlos Sainz and sending a message that the Silver Arrows will be a major force when it comes to Sunday's main race – Russell and Hamilton will share the front row, given Sainz has a grid penalty for taking a new engine this weekend.
