THE HAGUE, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Mercedes driver George Russell converted pole position into victory in the F1 Dutch Grand Prix sprint race at the Zandvoort circuit on Saturday, holding off Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and McLaren's Lando Norris.
The Zandvoort circuit is known for its limited overtaking opportunities, while dark clouds gathered overhead at the start of the race, adding to the challenge.
Russell, who secured pole position on Friday, made a strong start and extended his lead to one second by Lap 3. By the end of Lap 10, he was 1.6 seconds ahead of Leclerc. Russell led throughout the 24-lap race and crossed the finish line in 30 minutes and 25.318 seconds.
The battle between Norris and Leclerc was closely contested. By Lap 10, Leclerc was 0.8 seconds behind Norris. The decisive move came on Lap 18, when Leclerc overtook Norris on the inside of Turn 1 to move into second place. Leclerc finished 1.36 seconds behind Russell, with Norris taking third.
Heavy rain began shortly after the race ended. "The three of us were just talking - if there was one more lap, it could potentially have been a very different end to the race, so I was glad the rain came when it did. I had a pretty good start," Russell said. ■
