SAO PAULO: George Russell claimed his first win in Formula One in Saturday`s sprint at Interlagos to take pole position for the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari of Carlos Sainz took second but the Spaniard has a grid penalty looming for a change of engine to move third-placed Lewis Hamilton provisionally up onto the front row alongside his Mercedes team-mate.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton was investigated by the race stewards for a starting grid infringement.

Verstappen had to settle for fourth after he was passed by Russell at the third attempt on lap 15 of 24.

His team-mate Sergio Perez took fifth with shock pole sitter Kevin Magnussen of Haas in eighth.

Russell was elated with taking his first chequered flag in F1.

`It`s crazy to think we are both starting on the front row Pm sure Max will be flying tomorrow, but we`ll go for the win,` he said.-AFP