With Verstappen’s Red Bull stranded in the gravel in front of 16,000 Lando Norris supporters at the world champion’s designated stand, the safety car was deployed.

The seven-time world champion edged out Kimi Antonelli in qualifying for the 17-lap dash.

The Dutchman’s future has been the subject of speculation throughout the season.

Russell’s former boss Claire Williams says the British driver has the ‘maturity’ needed to triumph.

The British number one missed two-and-a-half months with a post-viral illness.

The former world number one suffered a sixth consecutive defeat.