F1 Austria Grand Prix: Max Verstappen Falls Short As George Russell Shines In Austria
George Russell returned to the top step of the podium with a commanding drive to win the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg on Sunday, ending a long wait for victory and reigniting his Formula One title challenge. Starting from pole, the Mercedes driver held off a relentless late charge from Max Verstappen, who recovered superbly from fifth on the grid to finish just 1.6 seconds behind. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli completed a Mercedes double podium in third after another composed display, extending his lead at the top of the standings. Russell described the triumph as "calm and controlled," while Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hailed it as a "cold-blooded" performance. The result lifts Russell to second in the drivers' championship ahead of the British Grand Prix.
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain celebrates after winning the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain stands on the podium after winning the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Race winner Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, center, stands on the podium with second placed Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, left, and third placed Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy, after the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos,Pool
Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Williams driver Carlos Sainz of Spain steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car followed by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Denes Erdos, Pool
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain leads at the start and followed by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco during the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Sunday, June 28, 2026. | Photo: AP/Darko Bandic
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