LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed his emotional reaction after George Russell’s first F1 win.
The 24-year-old crossed the line first in the penultimate race in Brazil to secure Mercedes’ first win of the season.
It was a big moment for the Brackley-based team after a season of struggle and Russell was visibly emotional after his achievement.
Porpoising issues dominated the first-half of the season as both Hamilton and Russell struggled to get to grips with the car.
But the back end of 2022 saw the pair challenging for race wins regularly in a complete turnaround in form.
The incredible result in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where Hamilton came second despite a crash with Max Verstappen, was the crowning moment for Mercedes.
And Hamilton revealed his emotion at seeing his team celebrate their achievement.
The seven-times world champion told Channel 4: “I saw a video of my team when we got to Dubai [for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix].
“Just seeing everyone celebrating all together was quite an emotional thing, knowing how hard everyone had worked through the year.
“Also knowing how difficult it would have been for them, knowing how hard they would have worked last winter and they were not rewarded for all the hard work they had put in necessarily.
“The whole season, not giving up and continuing to keep the faith, keep the hopes high and get a one-two was a very proud moment for me and the whole team.”
Mercedes’ struggles were one of the major themes of last season as Verstappen waltz to the title.
Despite winning every constructor’s championship since 2014, the manufactures toiled in the early part of the season as they tried to adjust to sweeping rule changes.
Only Ferrari appeared capable of challenging Red Bull but their season unravelled after multiple errors.
Last month team principal Mattia Binotto resigned after their underwhelming performance.
