George Russell basked in the adulation. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

“Russell is back – and with him his nemesis”

George Russell won his second Formula 1 race of the season at the Austrian Grand Prix. However, Max Verstappen's surprising second place in the Red Bull also generated significant international media attention.

June 29, 2026

From: dpa

Austria

Courier: “George Russell had to endure a lot recently. The Briton, considered a favorite for the World Championship at the start of the season, had to contend with technical problems and his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli. But at the Red Bull Ring, the 28-year-old struck back.”

Oe24.at: "Russell reignites the World Championship. With a start-to-finish victory at the Austrian GP in Spielberg, Mercedes veteran George Russell (28) has returned to the World Championship fight."

Max Verstappen made an impressive comeback. © APA/afp / JOE KLAMAR

Salzburg News: "Although the Bulls missed out on a home victory in front of owner Mark Mateschitz, the former industry leader can consider himself the secret winner of the weekend in Styria. Because the Bulls' upgrade package has fully taken effect. Verstappen has never been as close to a victory this season as he was in Spielberg."

Spain

Brand: "In a thrilling and exciting race, George Russell secured victory at the Austrian Grand Prix – his second win of the season. This reduced the gap to Kimi Antonelli, who finished third, to 40 points in the World Championship and resumed his pursuit of his teammate. Max Verstappen slotted in between the two with an outstanding performance and established himself as a potential title contender for the future."

AS: “Russell is back – and with him his nemesis. The Briton wins again, his first victory since Australia, and reduces Antonelli’s lead to ten points. Antonelli finishes third behind Verstappen, who is rediscovering his former strength with the new Red Bull.”

World Sports: "Russell secures victory despite an outstanding performance from Verstappen in Austria: The beast is back."

Italy

Corriere dello Sport: "After the criticism and controversies surrounding qualifying, the Austrian Grand Prix offered a great spectacle. On Spielberg's small and fast Red Bull Ring, George Russell triumphed, dominating from the first to the last lap. Second-placed Verstappen staged a magnificent comeback, resisting the onslaught of Kimi Antonelli in third. The Ferraris were poor."

Kimi Antonelli had to settle for third place. © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

Sports Gazette: “George Russell crowned a perfect weekend with victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, celebrating his second win of the season after his debut in Melbourne. Three months into the season, he returned to the top step of the podium. He was followed by a superb Max Verstappen, who (...) put on an extremely aggressive performance.”

Great Britain

The Sun: “George Russell is back on the winning track and stands at the top of the podium in Austria! Max Verstappen fended off a late attack from Kimi Antonelli and secured second place.”

Daily Mail: "George Russell's commanding drive secures him victory at the Austrian Grand Prix – and puts his Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli under renewed pressure in the title fight."

France

The team: “After a strategically astute race, George Russell returned to the winning track for the first time since the season opener in Australia. (...) Verstappen thrilled the Red Bull fans at the team's home circuit, particularly in his two intense battles with Hamilton, one of which he lost and the other won. The innovations introduced by Red Bull are clearly delivering real performance improvements.”