MONDAY MORNING DEBRIEF: How a sliding doors moment nearly saw Russell spoil Verstappen’s party in Sao Paulo

George Russell had led the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the start but coming into the 27th lap, with the rain increasing in intensity, the car was beginning to aquaplane on its very worn intermediate tyres.

If he could have seen anything out of his mirrors, he’d have found them filled with Lando Norris’s McLaren, just as they had been since the start. The Mercedes probably wasn’t as quick as the McLaren over the lap, but it had better end-of-straight speed.

Because there was no DRS available in these conditions, that had been enough for Russell to keep Norris behind him for lap after lap. It was an impressive drive, requiring total concentration.