George Russell stormed to 12th place in a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix, maximising his ROKiT Williams Racing package in the penultimate race of 2019.

After racing in North America for the final time in 2019 in Austin, Texas, Formula One flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the penultimate Grand Prix of the present season.

Familiar with the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace having driven a Formula One car previously at the 4.309km-long circuit, George performed admirably in qualifying, outpacing team-mate Robert Kubica for the 20th time this season to secure a spot on the ninth row of the grid.

Starting on the Medium compound tyre, George spent the opening stages of the Brazilian Grand Prix dueling against Kubica, emerging ahead of the Polish pilot while a late-race retirement for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas elevated the Briton to 18th.

A subsequent safety car for the ailing Finn allowed George to return onto the lead lap, advancing through the field following a series of incidents including a collision between Ferrari team-mates Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

With a two-lap sprint to the close of the race following a second safety car period, George took 12th at the chequered flag, clearing Alexander Albon, Romain Grosjean and benefiting from a penalty for Nico Hulkenberg to record his second-best finish of 2019.
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George Russell - ROKiT Williams Racing Driver

“It was definitely crazy in those last few laps and that gave us half an opportunity. I gave it my everything to take advantage of the situation and overtake a car here or there. It wasn’t meant to be though and that’s the maximum we could do. However, it was nice to be in the mix and fully fighting in the closing stages.”

Following the Brazilian Grand Prix, Formula One heads to the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates for the final race of the 2019 season on November 29 - December 1.

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Photographs Courtesy of XPB Images

Additional Press Content Courtesy of ROKiT Williams Racing

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