Russell wins in Austria as Mercedes tightens F1 title fight
George Russell beat Max Verstappen at Spielberg, cutting Kimi Antonelli’s Formula One championship lead to 40 points.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, cutting Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli’s Formula One championship lead to 40 points, Reuters reported. The result keeps Mercedes firmly in control of both title races after seven wins in the past eight rounds.
Russell finished ahead of Max Verstappen at Red Bull’s home circuit in Spielberg, with Reuters reporting that Verstappen crossed the line 1.6 seconds behind after starting fifth following a qualifying crash. Antonelli took third, 0.3 seconds behind Verstappen after closing in near the finish.
The victory was Russell’s second of the season after his win at the Australian opener, and the seventh of his Formula One career, according to Reuters. He now heads to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend with 131 points.
Antonelli remains the championship leader on 171 points, Reuters reported. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who finished fifth in Austria after running second and fighting Verstappen wheel to wheel, slipped to third in the standings on 125 points.
Mercedes also widened its advantage in the constructors’ championship. Reuters reported that the team now has 302 points, compared with Ferrari’s 204.
Russell said the win carried extra satisfaction after a gap since his previous victory. “Incredible to be back on the top step. It’s been a little while, so I am definitely going to enjoy this one this evening,” he said, according to Reuters.
The race was the first of the season to be declared a heat hazard, Reuters reported. Russell told his team over the radio after the finish that his drinks system had failed, adding: “Nice race for it to do so, I’m a little bit thirsty.”
Russell said the pace behind him forced him to maintain pressure throughout the race. “I was having to push every single lap and when you push those boundaries there’s bound to be a small mistake or two,” he said, according to Reuters.
He also singled out Antonelli’s speed as a concern during the race. “I knew how quick the guys were behind. Kimi has been extraordinarily quick this whole season, so every lap I was looking at the timing board,” Russell said, according to Reuters.
Oscar Piastri finished fourth for McLaren, ahead of Hamilton in fifth, Reuters reported. Isack Hadjar placed sixth for Red Bull.
Reigning champion Lando Norris, who won in Austria last year, finished seventh, according to Reuters. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was eighth, while Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and rookie Arvid Lindblad completed the points positions in ninth and 10th.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.