Austrian Grand Prix 2026: Verstappen finishes runner‑up as Russell wins

At the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, Mercedes driver George Russell claimed victory, with Red Bull's Max Verstappen finishing second and teammate Kimi Antonelli taking third. The win gave Russell a crucial boost in the drivers' championship and highlighted Mercedes' current form.

Verstappen, who had previously engaged in a fierce on‑track duel with Lewis Hamilton, praised the battle but later joked that funding future upgrades might require cutting the team’s catering budget under the sport’s budget cap. Despite recent upgrades to the RB22, Red Bull remains fourth in the constructors’ standings and Verstappen warned that continued under‑performance could trigger exit‑clause discussions with other teams.

The race also sparked talk of Verstappen’s future, with former driver Johnny Herbert suggesting the Dutchman should keep dialogue open with top rivals such as Mercedes and McLaren. Hamilton, after finishing fifth, said Red Bull’s recent improvements were significant and that the team will be a key contender in upcoming events.