Russell beats Verstappen at Austrian Grand Prix to boost F1 title hopes

George Russell took victory at the Austrian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, cutting Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli's Formula One championship lead to 40 points. Antonelli remains top with 171 points, while Russell has 131.

Max Verstappen of Red Bull finished second, 1.6 seconds behind, despite crashing in qualifying and starting fifth. Antonelli was third, 0.3 seconds adrift after a thrilling chase to the line at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.

It was Russell's second win of the season after Australia, and his seventh career victory. Mercedes have now won seven of the last eight rounds. In the constructors' standings, Mercedes lead with 302 points to Ferrari's 204.

“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,” said Russell, who heads to his home British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend on a high. He revealed over the radio that his drinks system had failed during the race, the first of the season to be declared a “heat hazard”. “Nice race for it to do so, I’m a little bit thirsty,” he added.

Oscar Piastri was fourth for McLaren, ahead of Lewis Hamilton in fifth. Isack Hadjar finished sixth for Red Bull. Reigning champion Lando Norris was seventh, Charles Leclerc eighth, and Racing Bulls drivers Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.