What better way to build excitement for this weekend’s British Grand Prix than with a British victory in Austria?
Even more fitting, George Russell’s second win of the season came just one race after an historic all-British podium in Barcelona, where a revitalised Sir Lewis Hamilton claimed victory ahead of Russell and reigning World Champion Lando Norris. It was Formula 1’s first British 1-2-3 finish for more than 55 years, adding another chapter to Britain’s unrivalled legacy of success in the sport.
Russell’s first victory of 2025 came in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Such was the Mercedes driver’s commanding form that he appeared destined to become Britain’s 12th Formula 1 World Champion.
Since then, however, a combination of misfortune and below-par results saw the pre-season favourite lose ground to his young Italian team-mate, Kimi Antonelli.
But a second-place finish in Spain, followed by victory in Austria, has reignited the Norfolk driver’s championship challenge, setting up a thrilling title fight. As Formula 1 heads to Silverstone, Russell has cut Antonelli’s lead in the Drivers’ Championship from 68 points before Barcelona to a far more manageable 40. Just as importantly, he arrives on home soil with renewed momentum and restored confidence.
“I’m really pleased with that result,” said Russell after his well-judged victory in Austria. “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.
“It’s been a tough couple of months with some really tricky races, with races that felt like everything was going against me, then some races with some tough performances. Obviously, I’ve got a really incredible team-mate next to me, who week in, week out is delivering some pretty spectacular performances. So, to get the last two poles, to get the win here this weekend, especially on a track which I don’t think is so suited to me, I’m really, really proud.”
Russell also believes he has rediscovered his mojo.
“The tough races definitely test you psychologically, and these last two weekends for me have been vitally important to remind myself I can do it. We know it’s very tight at the front and our competitors are pushing us hard, so we have to keep working to find more performance.
“For now, though, we can take the positives from this weekend and look ahead to Silverstone next week and seeing all the home fans. I’m sure it’s going to be great.”
Russell along with fellow F1 drivers Norris, Arvid Lindblad and Ollie Bearman are all alumni of the Motorsport UK Academy, an initiative established by the Governing Body to help the country’s most talented young drivers to reach their full sporting potential.
Click here to find out more about the Motorsport UK Academy