George Russell secured his first Formula 1 victory since March at the Austrian Grand Prix on June 28, 2026, holding off a late charge from Max Verstappen and rookie Kimi Antonelli over 71 laps in hot conditions at the Red Bull Ring.
Russell, driving for Mercedes, started from pole position and managed his tires effectively to maintain the lead through multiple pit stops. Verstappen, in a resurgent Red Bull, closed the gap in the final laps but could not pass, finishing 2.3 seconds behind. Antonelli, making his debut for Mercedes, impressed with a third-place finish, becoming the youngest podium finisher in F1 history at 19 years old.
The win marks Russell's third career Grand Prix victory and his first since the 2025 season opener in Australia. Verstappen's second place extends his championship lead over teammate Sergio Perez, who finished fifth after a collision with Charles Leclerc on lap 45.
The race featured two safety car periods, including a multi-car crash on lap 1 involving Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, which eliminated both Aston Martin drivers. Lando Norris finished fourth for McLaren, while Lewis Hamilton retired on lap 38 with a hydraulic issue.
