Title favourite Russell finished 0.293 seconds faster than team-mate Kimi Antonelli with Max Verstappen crashing out on his opening lap.
The Spaniard is in dispute with the DP World Tour over sanctions they have imposed for him playing in LIV Golf events.
Ireland led just 12-10 at half-time before battling to a bonus-point win.
Scrutiny on Brendon McCullum heightened after England suffered a heavy Ashes defeat.