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Williams' Russell grabs win in virtual Spanish GP in dramatic fashion

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George Russell. Image: Twitch
George Russell. Image: Twitch

Williams driver George Russell grabbed a pic of his digital 'self' on his computer screen as the Briton claimed a last-lap victory in Sunday's virtual Spanish grand prix at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barceloan. 

The 22-year-old won his first virtual GP beating Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Esteban Gutierrez to the top step of the podium. But it wasn't all smooth sailing for Russell who was handed the victory after Leclerc incurred a last-gasp three-second  penalty. 

The Williams driver had been handed a three-second penalty earlier in the race for cutting corners. Russell started on pole but lost four places by the end of lap one after a poor start. 

The Briton's one-stop strategy mirrored that of the two-time Virtual GP winner Leclerc and on lap 20 Russell produced the fastest lap of the race to keep the pressure firmly on the Monegasque driver. 

'I need a photo, I don't stand on the podium often mate", Russell said post-race. "When I got past Charles and I knew I had that three second penalty, I was pretty furious. But when that radio message came in at the end... I was almost wetting my pants!"

Alex Albon finished in fourth place with Nicholas Latifi, Russell's Williams teammate in fifth. Real Madrid goalkeeper finished 12th and Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero finished 14th in his virtual GP debut. 

Watch how the race unfolded below via Russell's Twitch account: 

McLaren's Lando Norris retired from the race, while golfer Ian Poulter and Barcelona midfielder finished at the back end of the grid. 

With some of Formula 1's big names racing in the virtual grand prix, it has opened up the popularity of e-racing to an even bigger audience. 

Russell may not win a race in the normal conditions, but his skill in the hot seat on Sunday evening game his something to cheer about. He even has a photograph to prove it. 

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