George Russell claimed a dramatic victory for Mercedes on Sunday after a sensational late collision between series leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull and his nearest rival Lando Norris of McLaren in the closing laps of an action-packed Austrian Grand Prix. This marked the British driver’s second career victory, highlighting the improved form of the Mercedes team in recent races. Russell capitalized on Verstappen’s impulsive and aggressive move against Norris, finishing 1.9 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren. Carlos Sainz finished third for Ferrari, ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes and Verstappen, who ended up fifth despite receiving a 10-second penalty for causing the crash with Norris, who was forced to retire his damaged car.
Verstappen pitted on lap 23, followed by Norris and the rest, temporarily passing the race lead to Piastri until he pitted on lap 25. Piastri rejoined in sixth place, and the order was restored with everyone on hard tires, except for Russell, who opted for a second set of mediums.