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George Russell

Russell feared Las Vegas 'chaos' despite dominant F1 victory

George Russell secured his second victory of the season in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Russell win Las Vegas
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George Russell has claimed that Mercedes' "luck has turned", having expected "chaos" on his way to victory in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Russell converted pole position into victory at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit, and survived a late charge from Lewis Hamilton. 

The Mercedes driver had come under early pressure from Charles Leclerc; however, it was due to the Monegasque pushing his tyres too hard in the opening laps. 

Once Leclerc quickly burned through his tyres, Russell comfortably cruised into the distance. 

Only Hamilton had pace which could match his team-mate, although starting from 10th left the seven-time world champion with too much time to make up.

Mercedes boasted remarkable pace throughout the weekend in Las Vegas, much to Russell's surprise.

"It's been a dream of a weekend," said Russell. "I don't know how we've been so quick, but I'm just riding this wave right now."

Las Vegas is one of the most unique venues on the calendar, with Russell marking it as one of the best places in the world to enjoy a dominant weekend.

"Vegas is just a crazy, crazy place, and when you're driving, you see all of this in the background," added Russell. 

"I can't even describe this place. So to get a victory here, pole position, dominant weekend, one-two with Lewis as well. We couldn't have chosen a better place to make this happen."

No chaos

Russell has experienced chaos every time he has started on pole this season, even whilst he was leading in the recent São Paulo Grand Prix. 

Based on how chaotic the Las Vegas GP was last year, Russell expected a real fight for the win. 

The lack of action at the very front came as a pleasant surprise to the 26-year-old.

"I was just waiting for something to happen," said Russell. "The two races I've been on pole before, there's always been chaos.

"Rain, dry and always something happening. Last race in Brazil, with the red flag. I felt confident here, I had a good gap, but I was just waiting for something to happen. 

"And it didn't. So I guess our luck has turned. Just so so happy right now."

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