Russell ‘reminded myself I can do it’ with Austrian GP win

(opens in a new tab)Sign InSubscribeF1ScheduleChevron DropdownPrevious 2026 SeasonDriver Standings Team StandingsArchive 1950-2025F1 AwardsNewsChevron DropdownWhat is F1? What is F1 TV?F1 GlossaryGet involved2026 RegulationsNewsVideosRussell ‘reminded myself I can do it’ with Austrian GP winRussell seals thrilling Austria victory from VerstappenTsolov wins F2 Feature Race in Austria with complete driveStromsted secures victory in thrilling F3 Spielberg Feature RacePlay0:182026 Austrian Grand Prix: Russell takes second victory of the season 1:09'I did the best race I could' - Bortoleto on his P11 finish in Austria Alexander AlbonFernando AlonsoKimi AntonelliOliver BearmanGabriel BortoletoValtteri BottasFranco ColapintoPierre GaslyIsack HadjarLewis HamiltonNico HulkenbergLiam LawsonCharles LeclercArvid LindbladLando NorrisEsteban OconSergio PerezOscar PiastriGeorge RussellCarlos SainzLance StrollMax VerstappenAll Drivers Hall of FameTeamsChevron DropdownAlpineAston MartinAudiCadillacFerrariHaas F1 TeamMcLarenMercedesRacing BullsRed Bull RacingWilliamsAll TeamsFantasy & GamingChevron DropdownF1 Sim RacingFantasyF1 25F1 Manager 24F1 PredictF1 ClashF1 Members' AreaMenuFIA if(window.f1MobileDetection.iOSSafari) { var meta = document.createElement("meta"); meta.name = "apple-itunes-app"; meta.content = "app-id=835022598, app-argument=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-reminded-myself-i-can-do-it-russell-hails-incredible-austrian-gp-win-as-he-recovers-lost-ground-in-title-race.4Hb6KKpu2gBEcRhzSlXdRA.4Hb6KKpu2gBEcRhzSlXdRA"; document.head.appendChild(meta); } {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-reminded-myself-i-can-do-it-russell-hails-incredible-austrian-gp-win-as-he-recovers-lost-ground-in-title-race.4Hb6KKpu2gBEcRhzSlXdRA","url":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-reminded-myself-i-can-do-it-russell-hails-incredible-austrian-gp-win-as-he-recovers-lost-ground-in-title-race.4Hb6KKpu2gBEcRhzSlXdRA","mainEntityOfPage":"https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/ive-reminded-myself-i-can-do-it-russell-hails-incredible-austrian-gp-win-as-he-recovers-lost-ground-in-title-race.4Hb6KKpu2gBEcRhzSlXdRA","datePublished":"2026-06-28T15:16:07.925Z","dateModified":"2026-06-28T15:16:07.925Z","headline":"‘I’ve reminded myself I can do it’ – George Russell hails ‘incredible’ Austrian GP win as he recovers lost ground in title race","author":"F1","description":"George Russell hailed an “incredible” feeling as he returned to the top step of the F1 podium with a confident drive to victory in Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://media.formula1.com/image/upload/t_16by9North/f_auto/q_auto/v1782657880/trackside-images/2026/F1_Grand_Prix_of_Austria/2283712178.jpg"},"isAccessibleForFree":"true","publisher":{"@type":"SportsOrganization","@id":"https://www.formula1.com#organization","name":"Formula 1","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.formula1.com/etc/designs/fom-website/social/f1-default-share.jpg","width":"480","height":"120"}}}George RussellMercedesAustriaShow more tags‘I’ve reminded myself I can do it’ – Russell hails ‘incredible’ Austrian GP win as he recovers lost ground in title raceGeorge Russell returned to winning ways at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday, scoring his first victory since the 2026 season opener. George Russell hailed an “incredible” feeling as he returned to the top step of the F1 podium with a confident drive to victory in Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. Russell, who last won at the Australia season opener back in March, and subsequently endured a tricky run of races, nailed his start, managed Virtual Safety Car periods and kept a charging Max Verstappen at bay to convert pole into the win. As a result, Russell reduced his deficit to Mercedes team mate Kimi Antonelli – who finished third – in the Drivers’ Championship, bringing the gap down from 50 points to 40. Speaking after the race, and reflecting on his afternoon at the wheel, Russell said: “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. “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. “Max and Red Bull were incredibly quick this weekend, so kudos to them, but thanks to everyone, thanks to the fans. It was pretty toasty out there, so I’m looking forward to a drink now.” Asked about running wide at Turn 3 late on, in an otherwise faultless drive, Russell continued: “I was having to push every single lap, and when you push those boundaries there’s bound to be a small mistake or two in there, and I know how quick the guys were behind. “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.” Russell went on to explain just how much of a boost the weekend as a whole – returning to P1 in both Qualifying and the race – gives him before moving onto his home event at Silverstone in a few days’ time. “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,” he said, having also taken pole in Barcelona. “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.” F1FacebookXInstagramYouTube© 2003-2026 Formula One World Championship Limited