F1 Austrian GP LIVE: Russell holds off Verstappen and Antonelli for impressive win.

George Russell withstood Max Verstappen’s challenge to end his 112-day wait for a victory by winning the Austrian Grand Prix and breathe fresh life into his F1 Drivers’ Championship bid.

Russell headed into the eighth round of the season at the Red Bull Ring without a win since the opening race of the season in Melbourne on March 8. But the British driver delivered an impressive performance in the sun-drenched Styrian Mountains to cross the line 1.6 seconds clear of Verstappen.

Championship leader Kimi Antonelli finished third, just three tenths behind Verstappen, to allow Russell to reduce the Italian’s title advantage from 50 points to 40, a week out from the British Grand Prix.

Russell’s triumph also elevates him ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the standings after a questionable three-stop strategy scuppered the Ferrari driver’s challenge. Hamilton took the chequered flag in fifth and is now 51 points off the championship pace.

Relive all the action from the Austrian Grand Prix with our live blog below:

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George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win Austrian Grand Prix and revive F1 title hopes

Austrian Grand Prix - live updates

• George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix from pole position
• Russell holds off Max Verstappen and Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in third
• Russell claims first victory for 112 days, since season opener in Australia
• Full race result
• REPORT: George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win Austrian Grand Prix and revive F1 title hopes

REPORT: George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win Austrian Grand Prix and revive F1 title hopes

16:07 , Luke Baker

George Russell breathed new life into his championship hopes with this impressive victory and is now up to second in the standings.

Here’s a full report from the race:

George Russell holds off Max Verstappen to win thrilling Austrian GP

Constructor standings after Austrian GP

16:45 , Luke Baker

And here’s the contrsuctors’ standings. Little movement there.

1. Mercedes - 302 points

2. Ferrari - 204 points

3. McLaren - 159 points

4. Red Bull - 115 points

5. Alpine - 57 points

6. Racing Bulls - 44 points

7. Haas - 21 points

8. Williams - 11 points

9. Audi - 2 points

10. Aston Martin - 1 point

11. Cadillac - 0 points

Driver standings after Austrian GP

16:31 , Luke Baker

Here’s how things stand after today’s race. George Russell cuts the gap at the top to 40 points.

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 171 points

2. George Russell (Mercedes) - 131 points

3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 125 points

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 80 points

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 79 points

6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 79 points

7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 73 points

8. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) - 42 points

9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 41 points

10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 30 points

11. Ollie Bearman (Haas) - 18 points

12. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) - 16 points

13. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls) -14 points

14. Carlos Sainz (Williams) - 6 points

15. Alex Albon (Williams) - 5 poins

16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) - 3 points

17. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) - 2 points

18. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) - 1 point

19. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi) - 0 points

20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac) - 0 points

21. Sergio Perez (Cadillac) - 0 points

22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) - 0 points

Antonelli: 'I was a bit too excited'

16:13 , Luke Baker

Kimi Antonelli has admitted he was a bit too excited at the start of the Austrian Grand Prix, going off the track three times before settling down and finishing third.

He was pushing Max Verstappen hard for P2 at the end, although just ran out of time, and the championship leader acknowledged his early issues.

“I was a bit too excited in the first few laps. I definitely didn’t drive it well,” admitted Antonelli.

“I made too many mistake and lost three or four seconds with the mistakes. I was struggling with my brakes but we change tyre, reset and the pace was very strong.

“It’s just a shame I joined the party a bit too late. Two more laps would have been a lot of fun. Congrats to George and Max on a really great weekend. There’s still lots for me to improve.”

Max Verstappen delivers injury update

16:04 , Luke Baker

Max Verstappen gave a short injury update after the race, when David Coulthard suggested he looked like he was moving a bit gingerly following his qualifying crash on Saturday.

“I knocked my knees,” explained Verstappen. “I hit the bones, which is not very nice but I was ok.”

On his race, Verstappen added: “It was a very good race for us. The first few laps were quite fun, then it was trying to manage the tyres.

“The car was in a quite good window for half of race and then there were a few issues with the car which prevented me from finding a nice rhythm.

“To be second, that close to a win, is extremely positive for us.”

IN PICTURES: Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix

15:53 , Luke Baker

A great day for George Russell - back on top.

Russell reacts to victory

15:50 , Luke Baker

George Russell has spoken to David Coulthard about his victory in Austria.

“It’s incredible to be back on the top step. It’s been a little while, I’ll enjoy this evening,” said Russell.

“There’s been hard work from the team to get back on top. Kimi and Max were quick this weekend, so credit to them and it was toasty out there, so I’m looking forward to a drink now.

“I was having to push every single lap. When pushing boundaries, there’s going to be a small mistake or two. I know how good the guys behind are.

“Kimi is so quick. I was looking at the timing board every lap but the team timed our stops to perfection.

“These are the tough races that test you psychologically. The last two weekends have been vitally important to remind myself I can do it.

“This track was not suited to my style. I’m looking forward to Silverstone next week, seeing all the homes fans, I’m sure it will be great.”

Austrian Grand Prix results

15:36 , Luke Baker

Here’s the top 10 from that race:

1. George Russell (Mercedes)

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

3. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)

4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

6. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)

7. Lando Norris (McLaren)

8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)

10. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)

Russell wins the Austrian GP

15:33 , Luke Baker

A well-deserved win for Russell. He controlled the race and then held off a charging Verstappen in the final third of the race.

Good from the Red Bull to get second though, while Antonelli only needed another couple of laps to leapfrog him but settles for third

GEORGE RUSSELL WINS THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX

15:32 , Luke Baker

AND GEORGE RUSSELL HAS DONE IT! He wins the Austrian Grand Prix. A first win since the opening race!

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen holds off Kimi Antonelli for second. Very fun race!

Antonelli vs Verstappen (Lap 71/71)

15:31 , Luke Baker

Antonelli can’t quite get on the very back of Verstappen. Max going all out to hold off the teenager.

Meanwhile, Russell will win this.

Antonelli pushing (Lap 71/71)

15:30 , Luke Baker

Into the final lap and Antonelli is right on Verstappen’s tail. Just 0.6s. Will he get one chance at an overtake?

Can Antonelli catch Verstappen? (Lap 70/71)

15:29 , Luke Baker

Maybe Antonelli can catch Verstappen for P2? He’s within a second and he’ll have a boost on the final lap to go for it!

Norris chasing Hadjar (Lap 68/71)

15:27 , Luke Baker

Not too much jeopardy in these final few laps but Lando Norris is about a second behind Hadjar for P6.

Up front, Russell leads Verstappen by 3.5s and Antonelli is a further 2.0s back. Three laps to go

Russell seeing out the victory (Lap 65/71)

15:24 , Luke Baker

It’s been good, solid racing from Russell. Consistent lap times and he looks like he’s seen off the Verstappen threat.

This should be a first win since the opening race of the season. Big for the Brit. He’ll gain on his teammate Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Antonelli could be a factor (Lap 62/71)

15:21 , Luke Baker

Antonelli is running third and he’s the quickest man on the track.

He’s around 3.4s behind Verstappen in second, who is around 5.1s behind Russell for the race lead.

Looks like Verstappen won’t quite have time to catch Russell but could Antonelli catch Max?

Verstappen chasing down Russell (Lap 60/71)

15:17 , Luke Baker

This could be an epic finish, Verstappen, whose tryes are six laps fresher than Russell, is chasing down the Brit.

Eleven laps to go and the gap is down to about six seconds. He’s gaining around 7/10ths of a second per lap...

Top ten on the track (Lap 57/71)

15:15 , Luke Baker

Hadjar dives past Leclerc to move into P6. Cheers from the Red Bull fans here.

Verstappen charging and slowly closing the gap to Russell. Will he have time to overtake him for the lead?

Here’s the current top 10:

1. Russell - leader

2. Verstappen - +7.2s

3. Antonelli - +4.5s

4. Piastri - +3.7s

5. Hamilton - +3.4s

6. Hadjar - +3.7s

7. Leclerc - +1.1s

8. Norris - +2.4s

9. Lawson - +42.1s

10. Lindblad - +3.6s

Russell back into track lead (Lap 54/71)

15:11 , Luke Baker

A brief VSC after Albon clips a bollard and it goes on to the track. Not long before a marshal can remove it though, so a short-lived virtual safety car.

The top 10 looks fairly settled at the moment, with tyre management the order of the day.

Ooooh, there might be some rain on the way...That would be a cat among pigeons.

Russell back into track lead (Lap 52/71)

15:08 , Luke Baker

Now Antonelli pits, so Russell will be track leader once more. Antonelli comes out behind Verstappen of course, in P3, with a gap of about four seconds.

Leclerc lets his Ferrari teammate Hamilton past into fifth

Current top five: 1. Russell, 2. Verstappen, 3. Antonelli, 4. Piastri, 5. Hamilton

Verstappen pits and will try to hunt down Russell (Lap 50/71)

15:06 , Luke Baker

“My tyres are dead” says Verstappen and he duly comes into the pits. How far behind Russell will he be after this stop?

2.2-second stop by the Red Bull pit crew and Russell leads by 10.8s. Verstappen will get on the chase with his brand new hard tyres.

Can he catch Russell on fresher tyres in the final 20 laps of this race?

From bad to worse for Aston (Lap 47/71)

15:02 , Luke Baker

A dismal season from Aston Martin continues to spiral. Lance Stroll informs the team he’s coming into the pits to retire the car.

Race leader Russell into the pits (Lap 45/71)

14:59 , Luke Baker

The one-stop strategy talk for Mercedes was indeed nonsense. Lap 44 and Russell comes in for some new tyres. That avoids the battle with Verstappen for now.

Russell comes back out in P3. Antonelli in between him and the Dutchman. How will Max respond?

Piastri and Hamilton in pits together (Lap 44/71)

14:57 , Luke Baker

Piastri and Hamilton both into the pits - new tyres and they’ll resume their battle on the track. Down to P6 and P7 respectively.

Verstappen closing on Russell (Lap 43/71)

14:56 , Luke Baker

We might soon have a battle for the race lead... Verstappen around a second behind Russell in the fight for P1. This could be fun.

Someone who’s not having fun is Fernando Alonso. Aston Martin are way off the pace once again and now Alonso has a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit lane. He’s already running 19th...

Hamilton chaing Piastri (Lap 41/71)

14:53 , Luke Baker

Not the most helpful of comments from Lewis Hamilton’s race engineer...

“We need to get Piastri. I know that you are trying.”

Yeah, I think Hamilton probably knows that. He’s just under a second behind the McLaren in the battle for P4.

Top ten on the track (Lap 39/71)

14:52 , Luke Baker

Piastri dives past Leclerc! Briefly wheel to wheel but makes it stick!

Hamilton then gets past Leclerc who is going backwards. The Monegasque then pits.

Here’s the current top 10:

1. Russell - leader

2. Verstappen - +1.8s

3. Antonelli - +6.5s

4. Piastri - +8.2s

5. Hamilton - +0.4s

6. Hadjar - +4.1s

7. Norris - +1.4s

8. Leclerc - +15.3s

9. Lindblad - +7.5s

10. Lawson - +0.8s

Ferraris need to cool their cars down (Lap 36/71)

14:48 , Luke Baker

The Ferraris have to switch to ‘Mode TS’ to cool their cars down. The battery specifically.

That limits performance for Hamilton and Leclerc somewhat. But it does the job and they’re back to race mode now

Verstappen inching towards Russell (Lap 34/71)

14:46 , Luke Baker

Slowly but surely, Verstappen in P2 is gaining on race leader Russell. The gap is down below four seconds.

We’re about halfway through the race - this could be a fascinating last 37 laps or so.

Antonelli breezes past Leclerc (Lap 31/71)

14:43 , Luke Baker

Nicely done by Antonelli. Ferrari are struggling for pace slightly and he cruises past Leclerc to move into P3.

Can he chase down Verstappen in second? The Red Bull has been showing some pace and has a healthy 9.4s gap over Antonelli.

Russell trying to build lead (Lap 30/71)

14:41 , Luke Baker

Russell leads Verstappen by 4.6s and will try to build that lead. Leclerc is 8.6s behind Verstappen in third.

Antonelli right on LEclerc’s tail...

Back racing (Lap 28/71)

14:39 , Luke Baker

VSC removed. We’re back racing again. Hamilton pitted during the VSC and changed to soft tyres.

He’ll try to clear Hadjar and Piastri to get back into fifth.

Current standings. 1. Russell, 2. Verstappen, 3. Leclerc, 4. Antonelli, 5. Piastri

Bad luck for Antonelli (Lap 27/71)

14:38 , Luke Baker

Bad luck or poor execution for Mercedes. Antonelli came into the pits just as Sainz had his issue. If he waited one lap it would have been underneath the VSC and they’d have saved time on the pit stop.

He comes out behind Leclerc, so running fifth in the race, if he’d pitted under the VSC then he may have been running second behind only teammate Russell...

Could Mercedes have stopped him pitting in time? It’s unclear. The Sainz incident may have been juuuust too late for them to react

Virtual safety car (Lap 25/71)

14:35 , Luke Baker

Carlos Sainz stops on the main straight and it’s yellow flags! Then a virtual safety car shortly after.

A frustrated Sainz marches down the pit lane.

Hamilton cleared of wrongdoing (Lap 22/71)

14:32 , Luke Baker

The stewards say there’s nothing to see here over the Hamilton-Verstappen incident. Hamilton is cleared.

But the two legends are battling again here! Verstappen dives down the inside but Hamilton boosts and gets back in front!

Not over yet though, VERSTAPPEN BACK IN FRONT! Hamilton has to jab on the brakes - did Verstappen go into his line?

Whatever the case, Max is ahead now. He’s P3 ahead of Hamilton in P4. Russell P2 with Antonelli (who is yet to pit) P1 on the track but will drop to fourth or fifth once he goes in.

Russell dives into the pits (Lap 20/71)

14:29 , Luke Baker

Russell into the pits. If he is doing a one-stop, then he’ll be going 51 laps on these hard tyres... I find that hard to believe.

Russell is running third on the track now but still the leader of the race really. He’s about 1.6 seconds ahead of Hamilton, which is the time to note.

Russell conserving lead (Lap 18/71)

14:26 , Luke Baker

Good stuff from George Russell. He’s on his own out front and has a five-second lead over Verstappen in second.

He suggests on the team radio he’ll do a one-stop strategy. Bold call in this heat... Is it legit or just a dummy for other teams listening in? We shall see

Hamilton noted for incident with Verstappen (Lap 16/71)

14:24 , Luke Baker

We’ll see what the stewards make of this. During the Hamilton v Verstappen battle, they’ve noted Hamilton for “forcing a driver off the track” at turn six. Verstappen ended up slightly in the gravel but I thought it was good, hard racing.

Let’s see if the stewards agree as they take a look

Hamilton pits with Ferrari going for three-stop (Lap 15/71)

14:21 , Luke Baker

Hamilton dives into the pits - first man in. Will Verstappen follow? Nope, he stays out and tries to gain the time on track.

Ferrari clearly going for a three-stop strategy with the early pitting, as Leclerc goes in soon after.

They nailed their strategy in Barcelona, same again?

Verstappen: 'That's a clear penalty' (Lap 14/71)

14:19 , Luke Baker

Unsurprisingly, Verstappen not happy with Hamilton getting the better of that battle and says of his team radio “that’s a penalty, that’s a clear penalty”.

Looked like good, clean racing to me

Hamilton and Verstappen in epic battle (Lap 12/71)

14:18 , Luke Baker

It’s like 2021 all over again! Hamilton vs Verstappen. Max within a second of Lewis but currently the veteran Brit is holding him off.

The Dutchman has the greater speed for sure though. AND THERE WE GO!

Verstappen down the inside, greater pace and gets P2. But HAMILTON HITS BACK! DRS in response and the Brit gets back past, Verstappen locks up to avoid a collision. WOW!

This is great motor racing from two legends. Hamilton retains P2 for now!

Top 10 on track (Lap 10/71)

14:15 , Luke Baker

Here’s the current standings as we head to lap 10.

1. Russell

2. Hamilton

3. Verstappen

4. Antonelli

5. Leclerc

6. Piastri

7. Norris

8. Hadjar

9. Lawson

10. Lindblad

Antonelli all over Leclerc (Lap 7/71)

14:13 , Luke Baker

Antonelli is all over the back of Leclerc, dives inside, outside but the Ferrari holds firm.

NOT FOR LONG! Leclerc uses up all his power and Antonelli surges past this time, into P4. Leclerc down from P2 to P5 - awful start for the Monegasque.

It’s not great for the other Ferrari, with Verstappen suddenly having caught up to Hamilton and probing for a pass

Disaster for Cadillac (Lap 5/71)

14:11 , Luke Baker

Five laps in and both Cadillacs have now retired! Some smoke from Sergio Perez and he joins Bottas in a pit-lane retirement.

Meanwhile, Verstappen sets the fastest lap. The Red Bull going well early on.

Up front, Russell is protecting his lead over Hamilton - just over a second clear

Antonelli noted for leaving track (Lap 3/71)

14:09 , Luke Baker

The stewards have noted Antonelli exiting the track. He’s done so three times already... Will he get a punishment.

We have our first retirement as Bottas says his brakes are on fire, comes into the pit lane and gives it up.

1. Russell, 2. Hamilton, 3. Verstappen, 4. Leclerc, 5. Antonelli

Verstappen passes Leclerc for P3 (Lap 2/71)

14:07 , Luke Baker

Antonelli gets past Leclerc but overruns and is off the track for a third time! Deary me. Has to give the place back.

NOW VERSTAPPEN IS PAST LECLERC AND INTO P3

Hamilton overtakes Leclerc (Lap 1/71)

14:06 , Luke Baker

Hamilton gets past Leclerc and he’s up to second!

Russell retains leads from the start but Antonelli falters

14:05 , Luke Baker

AND WE’RE OFF! Decent start from Russell, Leclerc tries to go round the outside but the Brit holds on.

Antonelli into the run-off area but he rejoins in front of Verstappen still.

And in turn 3, Antonelli is off again! And this time he’ll lose places.

Now the Ferraris are battling each other!

Austrian Grand Prix - live

14:04 , Luke Baker

Cars have completed the formation lap. We’re nearly ready to go here...

Medium tyres the order of the day

14:03 , Luke Baker

Twenty of the 22 drivers start on medium tyres, with only Bortoleto in 12th and Sainz in 17th on softs.

Remember, Verstappen is the only driver with two new sets of mediums and two new sets of hards at his disposal. He can do four stints, all on new tyres, should he so wish. And with a hot track, tyre degradation could be an issue.

Formation lap

14:01 , Luke Baker

We clear the grid of all personnel and the cars are off on their formation lap.

Austrian GP - starting grid

13:59 , Luke Baker

A reminder of the starting grid as we prepare for lights out in Spielberg.

1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
6. Lando Norris (McLaren)
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
10. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
12. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
13. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
16. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
18. Alexander Albon (Williams)
19. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

Verstappen happy with tyre options

13:58 , Luke Baker

A quick word from Max Verstappen as he’s walking towards his Red Bull on the grid.

Asked about whether the large amount of different tyre and strategy options will play to Red Bull’s advantage today, Verstappen says: “Depends of course how the tyres are behaving but at least we have options.

And asjed whether he wants to put on a show at Red Bull’s home race, he adds: “I always do my best.”

Can McLaren reach the podium?

13:53 , Luke Baker

The McLaren pair start on rows three and four today, with Lando Norris sixth and Oscar Piastri seventh.

Norris is asked by Sky Sports F1 whether he can earn a podium spot today.

“That’s our goal,” says the reigning champion. “That would be a nice goal to achieve. We’ll have to beat quicker cars though so we need good strategy.”

IN PICTURES: Austrian Grand Prix approaching

13:43 , Luke Baker

We’re about 15 minutes away from lights out at the Red Bull Ring

Lando Norris unveils ‘surreal’ Madame Tussauds waxwork before British Grand Prix

13:36 , Luke Baker

Reigning Formula 1 world champion Lando Norris raced into Madame Tussauds London to see his waxwork ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

The figure of the driver is kitted out in a McLaren papaya race suit, donated by Norris, as well as a replica of the helmet worn when he clinched the F1 World Drivers’ Championship title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Speaking after coming face to face with the figure, Norris said: “Seeing the figure finished and standing next to it is pretty surreal – it really is like looking at another version of me.

“I’m used to seeing myself in photos, videos or a reflection, but this is me in 3D. The artists have really nailed the details – it’s so lifelike. I also wanted to donate one of my race suits so fans can see up close something I actually wear when I’m racing and help make the figure feel as realistic as possible.

“I can’t wait for everyone to come and see it in London this summer, and I hope everyone has fun visiting.”

Lando Norris unveils ‘surreal’ Madame Tussauds waxwork before British Grand Prix

Russell reacts to 'just drive' order from Toto Wolff

13:30 , Luke Baker

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff told Russell over the radio to “just drive” as the Englishman struggled in the early part of qualifying.

Rebuffing the suggestion Wolff’s message sounded like an “order”, Russell said: “That’s probably the Austrian accent.

“Knowing your boss has 100 per cent faith and confidence in you. He has been the first to pick me up when things have not been going right, to remind me that ‘you have not forgotten how to drive and I know the speed you have got’.

“We speak every single day and those little messages throw me to conversations we have on a personal level. It reminds me I can do it. I have done it my entire career and there is no reason why I can’t do it today.

“Kimi has done an amazing job, day in day out this year, but do I have the confidence I can beat him? Yes, 100 per cent.”

Lewis Hamilton dismisses talk of eighth world title

13:22 , Luke Baker

So, a title charge for Lewis Hamilton then? The Ferrari driver is desperately still trying to tamp down expectations.

“I am not really thinking about competing for a championship,” insisted Hamilton ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

“I want to win this weekend. That is my goal. And that is what I have been working towards all of last week, and this week, too.

“I haven’t been out for dinners. My head has been back down, the sacrifices required to make sure I arrive 100 per cent so I can deliver – especially knowing how far my performance reaches.

“I am thinking about each race, arriving and executing as we did at the last race, with pit-stops, with strategy, we were all in sync, and having that all in one weekend is the most important thing, and not about what is going to happen in 15 races’ time.”

LAST TIME OUT: The ingenious trick behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari resurgence – and why he can win eighth F1 world title

13:15 , Luke Baker

Puffing out his cheeks at the start of a series of media interviews, Lewis Hamilton grinned a smile some two-and-a-half years in the making. “Jeez, where do I start?!” he told Sky Sports’ Craig Slater, after a day under the Catalunyan sun he had long dreamed of.

On a red-hot afternoon, for the first time since Mexico in October 2024, it was rich scarlet red on top of the podium once again.

Even for 41-year-old Hamilton, who has experienced and endured just about every sensation possible in his two decades in Formula One, this was something new. Something fresh. And perhaps, most tantalisingly of all, something worth building towards for the rest of the 2026 campaign.

Kieran Jackson analyses a famous win in Barcelona for Hamilton and what it means moving forward:

The ingenious trick behind Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F1 resurgence

George Russell pleased 'common sense prevailed' amid yellow flag drama

13:08 , Luke Baker

Russell said he was pleased that “common sense prevailed” and his pole position was allowed to stand after yellow flags were waved in qualifying following the aforementioned Verstappen crash.

“I had a difficult session,” admitted Russell, who at one stage was facing elimination from the second phase of qualifying.

“I was almost out in Q2. But my first lap in Q3 was strong. And then I went through turn one on my final lap and I was a tenth and a half up. And then in turn three, I was another tenth and a half up, and in turn four another tenth and a half. The lap was unbelievable.

“I came across the single yellow flag in the final sector but I did a 100-metre lift and lost a huge amount of time. As it was a single yellow, I was pretty confident there was no danger and as soon as I turned into the corner I saw the green flag up ahead. I actually thought Verstappen had continued because I didn’t see him (in the wall) as his car was so far off the track.

“So, I am glad common sense prevailed there. I did everything right to be very much in control of the car.”

WATCH: Max Verstappen crashes out in quali

13:01 , Luke Baker

Here’s the Max Verstappen crash that caused all the late drama in qualifying yesterday

HUGE moment in qualifying as Max Verstappen crashes out in the final stages! ❌ pic.twitter.com/fVWg1EqeRZ

— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 27, 2026

Constructor standings ahead of Austrian GP

12:52 , Luke Baker

1. Mercedes - 262 points

2. Ferrari - 190 points

3. McLaren - 141 points

4. Red Bull - 89 points

5. Alpine - 60 points

6. Racing Bulls - 38 points

7. Haas - 21 points

8. Williams - 11 points

9. Audi - 2 points

10. Cadillac - 1 point

IN PICTURES: So far so good for Russell

12:45 , Luke Baker

The weekend has gone well for George Russell so far. Can he finish the job?

Drivers' Championship - top 10

12:39 , Luke Baker

Barcelona saw Kimi Antonelli’s lead at the top cut. Here’s how the championship looks now

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) - 156 points

2. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) - 115 points

3. George Russell (Mercedes) - 106 points

4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 75 points

5. Lando Norris (McLaren) - 73 points

6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) - 68 points

7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 55 points

8. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) - 41 points

9. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) - 34 points

10. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) - 26 points

George Russell's long wait for glory

12:33 , Luke Baker

The season started so well for George Russell, when he emerged from the chaos to win the opening Grand Prix in Australia. Surely that would spark a charge to the title?

Not so fast...

It’s been tough sledding for the Brit since as Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli has racked up the wins and surged ahead in the Drivers’ Championship.

Russell finished 2nd in China, 4th in the next two races in Japan and Miami, DNF-ed in Canada before showing signs of a revival last weekend – grabbing pole in Barcelona and eventually coming home second.

Can he end his 111-day wait for a grand prix win this afternoon?

Austrian GP - full starting grid

12:27 , Luke Baker

George Russell on pole, with Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli just behind. Here’s the full starting grid

1. George Russell (Mercedes)
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
3. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
4. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
6. Lando Norris (McLaren)
7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
8. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull Racing)
9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
10. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
11. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
12. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
13. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
14. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
15. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
16. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
17. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
18. Alexander Albon (Williams)
19. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
20. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
21. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
22. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)

George Russell clinches controversial Austria GP pole after Max Verstappen crashes out

12:16 , Luke Baker

It was certainly an eventful qualifying session yesterday!

Max Verstappen’s crash at the penultimate corner, leading Ferrari to celebrate a presumed pole for Charles Leclerc, only for George Russell to surge through amid the yellow flags to best him by 0.236s

Stewards looked at the incident and opted to take no further action for failing to slow sufficiently under yellow flags, while Kimi Antonelli wrongly chose to slow down and ended fourth on the grid.

Read the full report for all the madness in Spielberg:

Russell clinches controversial Austria GP pole after Verstappen crash

Austrian Grand Prix - live

12:11 , Luke Baker

Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of the latest F1 race - the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg.

There was plenty of drama in qualifying yesterday, which ended with George Russell on pole, so let’s get to it all