George Russell Becomes King Of Virtual Formula 1 Series Following Azerbaijan Win

George Russell is yet to gain a podium finish in a Formula 1 World Championship, though he has had a season with Williams. That being said, he is quickly becoming the king of the virtual Grand Prix series enacted in place of the championship.

Russell got his third successive win following his victory at the Virtual Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Sunday.

During the Spanish virtual GP in May, he came out on top after a thrilling wheel-to-wheel battle with Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc. He also dominated by at least 40 seconds during the Monaco virtual race.

This weekend Russell did it again, snatching pole position from Red Bull’s Alex Albon.

According to the Formula 1 news site, the race began with some skirmishes into turn 1, but the two who were in positions 1 and 2 were able to get away and build on their lead.

It soon became apparent that it was going to be between the Red Bull up-and-comer and his Williams counterpart. The two of them opted for differing tire strategies as they tried to gain the upper hand.

Russel then pitted on the eighth lap to swap the softs he chose for mediums. Albon decided on the hard tires for the second stint.

Russell was trying to stretch the lead while the tires were fresh, but he was not able to pull away from Red Bull despite being on the faster rubber option.

Over team radio, Russell was overheard telling the strategist that he was worried the tires might drop off and leave him open to an attack from Albon. In the end, he was able to take the flag ahead of his rival.

Russell mentioned that he is going to want more of this when they get back to the real world.

In seven days, the final race in the virtual series will occur before the official start of the revised 2020 Formula 1 championship.

Williams, though has been going a turbulent time after news of its potential sale became public.

It will be intriguing to see what happens from the first Grand Prix in Austria on July 5, 2020.