George Russell returns to the top in Spielberg

George Russell is back on top, and it was a stunning performance to behold. After 71 grueling laps in the heat at the Red Bull Ring, Russell stood on the rostrum again, securing his first Grand Prix victory since March. It was a proper fight, proving once and for all that he cannot be discounted this season, despite his team mate’s 40-point lead in the Drivers’ Championship.

Max Verstappen drove an absolute machine, recovering from his qualifying crash to climb from fifth on the grid to second at the flag. He looked genuinely quick in that upgraded RB22, though he simply ran out of time to hunt down the leader. Kimi Antonelli also showed his class, fighting back from a chaotic opening to round out the podium finishers.

Elsewhere, it was a difficult day for Ferrari as the heat hit Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc hard, leaving them out of the podium hunt. McLaren’s day was a mixed bag, with Oscar Piastri showing form while Lando Norris struggled to keep pace. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls secured a double points finish led by Liam Lawson, while Williams, Aston Martin, and Cadillac were left to struggle at the back of the field.