George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen finishes second

George Russell claimed victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on the Red Bull Ring, securing his second win of the season. Starting from pole, the Mercedes driver maintained the lead despite intense pressure from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who closed to within 1.6 seconds by the finish. Kimi Antonelli completed the podium in third place, delivering a strong performance for the Mercedes junior team.

The race featured several safety‑car interventions, including a virtual safety car after a loose tyre barrier was removed. High ambient temperatures – up to 47 °C on the track – added to tyre wear challenges, prompting multiple strategic pit stops. Ferrari struggled, with Charles Leclerc finishing eighth and Lewis Hamilton fifth after tyre‑related issues. Other notable finishers were Oscar Piastri (fourth, McLaren) and Isaak Hajić (sixth, Red Bull).

Russell praised his team after the race, noting the hard work required to return to the top step of the podium. The result moves him closer in the drivers’ championship, reducing the gap to championship leader Kimi Antonelli and keeping the title battle open as the season moves to Silverstone.