paddocknote logopaddocknote

2026 Austrian GP: Russell win cuts Antonelli gap

News - 2026-07-08 - By Jenny Marsh

Reports from BBC Sport and Autosport say George Russell won the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix from pole, trimming Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s lead.

BBC Sport and Autosport reported that George Russell won the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix for Mercedes, with Autosport stating he finished 1.6 seconds ahead of Max Verstappen after starting from pole. The same outlet described it as Russell’s second victory of the season.

If those results stand as reported, the drivers’ championship gap narrows. Andrea Kimi Antonelli came into the weekend leading on 179 points, with Russell second on 154, while Verstappen was seventh on 76. Russell, born on 15 February 1998, had seven wins from 161 Formula 1 starts across 2019-2026 before this race.

Elsewhere, BBC Sport reported that the FIA had declared the Austrian Grand Prix a heat-hazard race during the weekend. Autosport also reported that Oscar Piastri finished fourth and avoided a penalty after a post-race stewards summons over an alleged reconnaissance-lap infringement.