Russell impresses and Verstappen bounces back - driver ratings

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 AustriaPublished7 minutes agoCommentsGeorge 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 pa...