The English driver completed the race in 1:38:34.004, with his teammate and 7-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, finishing just 1.529 seconds off the pace.

The Ferrari duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished on 3rd and 4th respectively, while the double world champion, Max Verstappen settled for 6th.

Russell said it was emotional to become the first-ever driver to hear God save the King on the podium.

"It was a really tough race. I felt in control. Lewis was super-fast, and when I saw the Safety Car, I thought, ‘Oh Jesus, this is going to be a really difficult end.’ He put me under so much pressure, but I was so happy to come away with the victory.

"I’m speechless. On the in-lap all of these memories sort of came flooding back. Starting off with my mum and dad in go karting and going through all the support I’ve had from the rest of my family, my girlfriend, my trainer, my manager," he commented.

"Then obviously the likes of Gwen Lagrue, who gave me the opportunity to get on the programme with Mercedes, the strategy chief James Vowles and Toto Wolff – the list is endless. I can’t thank them enough, I’m super proud."

The F1 season will conclude on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport