George Russell took an emotional first Formula One Grand Prix victory on Sunday to end a season-long blank for Mercedes in a one-two with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in Brazil.

Russell led from the start at Sao Paulo’s Interlagos circuit after winning Saturday’s 100km sprint, a race that determined Sunday’s starting grid, to halt a run of nine wins in a row by champions Red Bull.

“This is just the beginning,” Russell shouted over the team radio after being told he was a Formula One winner, the 113th in the history of the sport.

“I knew we could do this. I might need some tissues — I’m crying.”

Hamilton, winner of a record 103 races and three in Brazil, congratulated his teammate for an “amazing drive”.

“He did an amazing qualifying so he truly deserves it... this is an incredible result,” said the 37-year-old.

In a lively race with two safety car periods, honorary Brazilian Hamilton overcame an early collision with Red Bull’s double world champion Max Verstappen to race back in front of a cheering crowd.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished third, with teammate Charles Leclerc fourth and unhappy that Ferrari did not order a switch given his battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez for second in the championship.

Verstappen, who won his second title with four races to spare, helped Leclerc out by refusing to give back sixth place to Perez despite the team asking him to if he could not pass Alpine’s Fernando Alonso. “I have given you my reasons,” said the Dutch driver by way of explanation.

Verstappen penalty

Russell led away cleanly from the start, with Hamilton slotting in behind, but the safety car was deployed when McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo and Haas’s Kevin Magnussen collided on the opening lap.

Magnussen, who took his first pole position in Friday qualifying and scored a point in the Saturday sprint, was hit from behind by the McLaren and smashed back into it after spinning around.

Verstappen and Hamilton then made contact at the re-start on lap seven as they fought for second place, with the pair dropping to eighth and ninth, respectively.

Race stewards decided the Red Bull driver was the offending party and handed him a five-second penalty for causing the collision.

“Where did they expect me to go?” Verstappen said when informed by his team over the radio. “He just closed the door on me.”

McLaren’s Lando Norris also collected a five-second penalty for causing a collision.