Mercedes' British driver George Russell drives during the sprint Picture: JOHN THYS / AFP
Mercedes driver George Russell powered to victory in the Dutch Grand Prix sprint race Saturday, making the most of his pole position to claw back some ground on teammate Kimi Antonelli in the world championship standings.
Russell got away cleanly at lights out and never looked challenged over the 24-lap sprint race, outpacing Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who finished second, by 1.36 seconds.
Leclerc's battle with current world champion Lando Norris was the highlight of the race, the Ferrari overhauling the McLaren in a thrilling overtake on the straight in the 18th lap.
"Obviously a great start to the weekend. If it was one more lap, it would have been a very potentially different end to the race, so glad the rain came when it did," said Russell, after the heavens opened at the chequered flag.
