F1 Virtual Spanish Grand Prix: Williams driver George Russell wins from pole ahead of Charles Leclerc

Winner: George Russell enjoys his first win in F1's Virtual Grand Prix series.
YouTube/Formula 1
Joe Krishnan10 May 2020

Williams driver George Russell took home the checkered flag for the first time in Formula 1's esports series to win the Virtual Spanish Grand Prix.

The Briton started in pole position after topping the timings in qualifying but endured a nightmare first lap, dropping down to fifth after being passed by Mercedes' Esteban Gutierrez.

However, the 22-year-old fought his way through the field after the pit stops to reclaim his lead and finished ahead of two-time race winner Charles Leclerc.

Gutierrez drove home in third to take the final spot on the podium ahead of Alex Albon, who edged out Leclerc in a thrilling battle at Interlagos last time out, .

Football stars Sergio Aguero, Thibaut Courtois and Arthur Melo joined the driver line-up for the race at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois improved on his first race display by coming in 12th place while Aguero, who started 19th, managed to finish in 15th for Red Bull.

Barcelona star Arthur Melo finished last of the 19 drivers on the grid after joining Haas for the 33-lap race.

But there were more troubles for McLaren's Lando Norris, who endured another incident-laden race after receiving a time penalty for speeding in the pits and did not finish the race.

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