Russell impresses and Verstappen bounces back – driver ratingsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, George Russell (left) moved up to second in the 2026 Formula 1 drivers’ championship standings having held off Max Verstappen (right) to win the Austrian Grand PrixByHarry BenjaminF1 commentator in AustriaPublished14 minutes agoGeorge Russell picked up his second win of the season and second career win at the Red Bull Ring as he earned victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.Russell’s win meant he bridged the gap to team-mate and championship leader Kimi Antonelli to 40 points.It was the British driver’s second win in 2026 having previously won the season-opening race in Australia before Antonelli then won five consecutive races to take control in the championship.Lewis Hamilton, race winner in Barcelona two weeks prior, had a disappointing display in his Ferrari, steering it to a fifth-placed finish despite the team bringing an upgraded car to Austria.Here are my ratings for how the drivers performed across the whole weekend in Spielberg.George Russell – 9/10Converted pole into a superbly controlled victory despite losing his drinks system in the extreme heat. No hydration break needed. Absorbed pressure from a charging Max Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli and a timely reminder of his race-winning quality.Max Verstappen – 8.5/10Bounced back brilliantly from his qualifying crash to finish second. Aggressive, fast and within touching distance of victory. Great battling with Lewis Hamilton too.Kimi Antonelli – 7.5/10Returned from his retirement in Barcelona last time out with a podium to keep his healthy gap at the top of the championship. A slightly untimely VSC stop cost him a chance of challenging for the win.Oscar Piastri – 7/10Quiet but efficient afternoon to salvage fourth. Didn’t quite have the pace to join the fight ahead but maximised the McLaren package.Lewis Hamilton – 6.5/10Looked quick in qualifying but Ferrari lacked race pace compared with Mercedes and Red Bull. Felt more was possible without the bizarre use of the soft tyre but ultimately Ferrari felt they had no choice.Isack Hadjar – 6/10A good drive to sixth after a poor qualifying session. The pace wasn’t bad but it was a frustrating weekend by his standards, added to the fact his team-mate was on the podium.Lando Norris – 6.5/10Lost ground at the start and never quite recovered. A frustrating weekend after showing great race pace on Friday.Charles Leclerc – 5/10Started on the front row but that was as high as he got. Slipped back as his race pace faded. A disappointing return from such a brilliant grid position.Liam Lawson – 7/10Another composed drive into the points. Extracted everything available from the Racing Bulls machinery.Arvid Lindblad – 6.5/10Another great rookie display to score another top-10 finish. Looked confident all weekend but will be looking now to try and get the upper hand on his more experienced team-mate.Russell holds nerve to seal victory in Austria
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