George Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix as Ferrari and McLaren struggle in heat

George Russell claimed his second win of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix, overcoming a challenging weekend that saw several front-running teams falter in the heat. Russell said the result was important for his confidence after a difficult spell, adding that support from his team helped him stay resilient.

Ferrari and McLaren, which had shown strong one-lap pace in qualifying, fell off the grid as both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc suffered severe rear-tyre degradation, preventing them from challenging for points. The teams will need to address the loss of performance that contrasted with their showing in Barcelona.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second after a battle with Hamilton that recalled his 2021 rivalry, though handling issues on his rear axle limited his challenge. The team’s recent aerodynamic upgrades appeared to improve competitiveness, a factor that could influence ongoing contract discussions.

Williams endured a difficult weekend, with both drivers eliminated in Q1 and reporting significant brake and electrical problems. Team principal James Vowles indicated that a new-spec car is expected for the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Midfield team Racing Bulls secured ninth and tenth places with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad, maintaining a steady performance that keeps them on track for a strong constructors’ championship finish.

Cadillac continued to develop its package, showing progress in qualifying but still facing reliability setbacks, including brake failures. Aston Martin also struggled, with Lance Stroll retiring early and Fernando Alonso finishing three laps down, though he highlighted the value of data collection for future development.