George Russell clinches home podium, narrows title gap at British GP

Mercedes driver George Russell finished second at the 2026 British Grand Prix in Silverstone, earning his first home podium. He recovered from a slow‑puncture‑induced second pit stop and benefited from a safety‑car period after Max Verstappen’s spin, which saw Lewis Hamilton pit and allowed Russell to move into P2. The result reduces his championship deficit to 25 points behind teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who finished 16th after a technical fault and a five‑second penalty.

Russell said the weekend was “difficult” and warned, “If we continue like this, I won’t fight for the championship.” He also acknowledged luck, stating, “I had a bit of luck at the end with the safety car.” The race was won by Charles Leclerc, with Hamilton completing the podium in third. Russell praised the Silverstone fans and noted the safety‑car finish helped his worn tyres, preventing a possible loss of position.