George Russell wins 2018 F2 Feature Race in Spain
British driver first repeat winner of the season
Tuesday 11 December 2018 12:42, UK
George Russell became the first repeat winner of the 2018 Formula 2 season with a superb drive in the Feature Race at the Spanish GP.
The Mercedes reserve driver took the lead on lap six from Nyck de Vries with a move on the brakes into Turn One - but he then had to withstand intense pressure from the Dutchman for the remaining 30 laps in mixed conditions as rain continued to threaten.
The pair took each other off while fighting for the lead in Baku at the previous race, but there was to be no repeat with both fighting fairly.
De Vries briefly retook the lead at Turn Five, but Russell remained calm to immediately retake the position with a switchback.
Russell was investigated by the stewards for throwing his water bottle out of the car after it came loose and, although his ART team were later fined €3000, the Englishman's victory stood.
Britain's Lando Norris completed the podium, with the McLaren junior making the alternative strategy work to come through the field from eighth on the grid to third.
With polesitter Alexander Albon making a slow getaway and finishing fifth, it means Norris extends his championship lead to 15 points.
Russell's win moves him up to third in the standings.
Artem Markelov finished eighth to take reverse grid pole for Sunday's Sprint Race
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