Austrian Grand Prix news: George Russell stakes claim for championship with race win
Mercedes further strengthened their position for championship glory at the Austrian Grand Prix, but it was George Russell’s return to form and race win that the Silver Arrows will be most pleased with.
The GP win for Russell saw the drivers’ standings gap from him to Mercedes’ other star Kimi Antonelli reduced to 40 points.
Antonelli finished third in the race, but came within four tenths of second place, another representation of Mercedes’ pace this season.
Russell: I was in a ‘tricky run of form’
Russell had found himself in a streak of bad luck and misfortune in the past few races, but his assertive Austrian GP showing marks the second of his wins this season since Australia.
"Incredible to be back on the top step,” Russell told Sky Sports. “It's been a little while, so I will definitely enjoy this one this evening.
“A lot of hard work with my team to get us back on track. Obviously, it was a tricky run of form at one point.
"Max and Red Bull were incredibly quick this weekend, so kudos to them. I had to push every single lap and I knew how quick the guys were behind.
“Kimi has been extraordinarily quick this season, so every lap I was looking at the timing board," he added.
Austrian GP results
1) George Russell, Mercedes
2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3) Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
4) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
5) Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
6) Isack Hadjar, Red Bull
7) Lando Norris, McLaren
8) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
9) Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls
10) Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
11) Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi
12) Nico Hulkenberg, Audi
13) Pierre Gasly, Alpine
14) Oliver Bearman, Haas
15) Franco Colapinto, Alpine
16) Esteban Ocon, Haas
17) Alex Albon, Williams
18) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
DNF Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
DNF Carlos Sainz, Williams
DNF Sergio Perez, Cadillac
DNF Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac
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