George Russell took a long-awaited Formula 1 victory in Austria, with him admitting the difficult run of form had tested him.
Despite coming into the 2026 season as one of the title favourites, the favour has changed for Russell as the opening half of the season has progressed.
In the first two rounds, Russell took a win in Australia and a podium in China. He seemed unstoppable with everything to play for as Mercedes had a significant edge over the rest of the field.
The Mercedes driver was visibly happy with his performance after the race, calling the victory ‘incredible’.
“It’s incredible to be back on the top step. It’s been a little while, so I’m definitely going to enjoy this one this evening,” he said.
After China, the Brit struggled, falling behind not only his 19-year-old teammate, Kimi Antonelli, but also his former teammate Lewis Hamilton.
His struggle was largely without reason, marked by a lack of pace in qualifying and an inability to reach the podium until Barcelona. It was wearing on Russell, who hasn’t had the easiest run at Mercedes.
For his entire career in F1, he’s been waiting for a better season. He spent three years at Williams from 2019 to 2021, while he waited for a space at Mercedes, which dominated the sport. Then he got his promotion as the Silver Arrows dropped back through the order in the ground effect era.
Long-awaited title challenge
Finally, in the new regulations, Mercedes seemed strongest in its bid for a championship, yet he’s found himself lagging behind its teammate. He is only in his second season.
However, Russell praised Antonelli’s performance and admitted that it feels like he’s been tested with the struggles so far.
“A lot of hard work from my team to get us back on track. Obviously, there was a tricky run of form at one point.
“Obviously, Kimi has been extraordinarily quick this whole season. So every lap, I was looking at the timing board. We pitted on the early side, and I knew it was going to be a long stint. But the team timed it to perfection.”
“The tough races definitely test you psychologically. These last two weekends for me have been vitally important to remind myself I can do it,” he said, after also taking pole in Barcelona and a podium.
Beyond the result itself, he talked about how the victory has only motivated him for Silverstone and beyond.
“Single lap, race pace, was very strong this weekend, and on a track that is probably not very well-suited to my style, so I’m looking forward to heading to Silverstone next week, seeing all the home fans. I’m sure it’s going to be great.”
Silverstone has the added potential as a Sprint Weekend, with extra points on the line for the fast time around the British Circuit.
READ MORE: George Russell resists Max Verstappen challenge in Austria to reignite F1 title hopes
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