George misses out after late DNF in Australian Grand Prix
British Formula One driver George Russell was set for a points finish before an incident in the closing stages of the Australian Grand Prix which resulted in a crash.
With overtaking infamously difficult around the Principality, qualifying was key and with rain falling throughout the 20-minute session, the classification period was under constant evolution, with track conditions marginally improving lap by lap.
Posting a 1:22.820s run at the close of the session, George cemented second place and a spot on the front row of the grid, with Hass’ Pietro Fittipaldi claiming pole position with an advantage of 0.414s.
The wet weather cleared up for the 39-lap race ahead and by securing the optimum getaway as soon as the green flag waved, George jumped Fittipaldi into Turn 1, overtaking the Brazilian around the outside of the tight right-hander.
Running on the Medium tyres, George opened up an advantage of 0.8s at the close of the first tour and quickly posted the fastest lap of the race, gapping second-placed driver Arthur Leclerc despite the Monegasque starting on the faster Softs.
Continuing to pull ahead, the Briton broke the DRS barrier on lap 4 before streaking off into the distance, pitting at the end of lap 28 with a lead of over 30s as the trailing pack continued to fight for position.
Swapping his Medium tyres for the Softs, George re-joined in the lead and re-established his prior advantage to the take the chequered flag comfortably, holding a lead of 40s ahead of runner-up Esteban Gutierrez having led every lap.
Video Courtesy of Formula 1