Russell, who started the Sprint from third, got away on the softs, while Max Verstappen jumped from P2 to the grid on medium tyres. Both drivers made easy work of pole-sitter Kevin Magnussen and then waged a stunning wheel-to-wheel battle, with Russell coming out on top and maintaining his lead after Verstappen damaged contact with Carlos Sainz.
READ MORE: Russell beats Verstappen in Sprint thriller to secure P1 grid position for Sao Paulo GP
“I mean, it’s crazy to think about that [both Mercedes are] starting from the front row, Lewis did a great job coming from P8 so it will be exciting,” said Russell as he looked ahead to Sunday. “I’m sure Max will fly tomorrow and go through the pack, but we’re in a luxury position where we can maybe split the strategy and go for the win.
“I think it’s really exciting and I’m so proud of the whole team for continuing to deliver with the car. It’s going to be interesting tomorrow – obviously Max is the boss at the moment and those medium tires didn’t seem to be up to the job,” he added.
2022 Sao Paulo GP Sprint: George Russell takes maiden Sprint win at Interlagos
Russell added that he had seen Verstappen as a player to lead the sprint to the end and revealed his satisfaction at getting past the reigning champion.
“I think we were confident we could finish second and we thought Max would have a very easy run, to be honest. We knew if we weren’t in front of him in turn 1 it would be very difficult to stay in front of him. I started attacking in the early laps and I thought once he gets some heat in his tires, he’ll go away,” said Russell.
“As much as I wanted to win this race today, it’s just [eight extra points] and he’s obviously setting you up [on the grid] for tomorrow. So you have to be a bit careful and I knew Max had nothing to lose so he was going to drive aggressively. Certainly, it was nice to make the move at the end.”
FACTS AND STATISTICS: Mercedes take first front lock-out of season in Sao Paulo
2022 Sao Paulo GP Sprint: The moment Russell overtakes Verstappen to set up Sprint win
Hamilton finished third in the Sprint but will be promoted to second on tomorrow’s grid as Carlos Sainz drops five places to get a new engine. The seven-time champion echoed his teammate after securing a front-row lock for the team.
“Congratulations to George,” said Hamilton. “As George was saying, this is such an incredible result for us as a team – we’ve all worked so hard for this all year. Did we think we would be at the front, starting from the front row at the Brazilian Grand Prix at the end of the year? Not at all. That’s what everyone worked for. I am incredibly proud of everyone and incredibly grateful to everyone…
WATCH: Magnussen leads Verstappen at start of Sao Paulo Sprint as Alps come into contact
As for whether Mercedes can hold onto the grid and finish one-two at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Hamilton said: “Yes, they have to! We’re going to work together as a team tomorrow and that’s about the team, to get that result for the team I think would be incredibly special. And obviously we’re after the reds [Ferrari, in the constructors’ standings] – could be good.
“Getting one or two either way, I’ll be happy, personally, just because of how hard everyone worked,” added Hamilton.
