George Russell gives verdict on 'cool fight' between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen after Austria GP chaos

George Russell

George Russell won the Austria Grand Prix on Sunday

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 30/06/2024

- 15:46

Updated: 30/06/2024

- 15:57

The Briton won the race at the Red Bull Ring

George Russell has reacted after winning the Austrian Grand Prix, with the Mercedes star benefitting from a crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Norris was forced out of the race after the pair collided on the 66th lap of the race at the Red Bull Ring.


Verstappen was able to finish fifth, but it was Russell who reigned supreme with a stunning display.

Speaking in the cooldown room, Russell discussed the race with Oscar Piastri - who finished second.

George Russell

George Russell won the Austria Grand Prix on Sunday

GETTY

Watching the footage back, he said: "Cool fight."

And Piastri then responded by saying: "Yeah because you won the race because of it."

Russell was proud after winning his first race of the season, with the Mercedes star paying tribute to the staff behind the scenes.

"Incredible. It was a tough fight out there at the beginning of the race just to hold onto P3," he told Sky Sports.

"I saw Max and Lando were going pretty hard and I knew Lando would want that win.

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"The team have done an amazing job to put us in this fight.

"You've got to be there to pick up the pieces and that's where we were.

"They [Verstappen and Norris] were going for it. I couldn't believe how close we were to Lando and Max.

"We were only about 12 seconds behind and I knew it [the collision] was a possibility. You are always dreaming.

"Just so proud to be back on the top step. We have made so many strides since the start of the season.

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"The last few races have been incredible. More to come."

As for Piastri, the McLaren star was disappointed to finish second - but proud of how he performed nonetheless.

"There’s a lot of what ifs and maybes obviously starting from yesterday, but I know it’s only my fourth podium in F1 but so close to a win, it hurts a little bit," he said.

"But really good points.

"I think second half of the race we were coming on pretty strong and I’m happy with another podium.

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Max Verstappen Lando Norris

Lando Norris and Max Verstappen collided in a dramatic Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday

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"Just when you’re that close, you can’t help but hurt a little bit.

"It (Silverstone) was a place of good memories from last year and hopefully we can be at the front again.

"I haven’t seen what happened with Lando and Max but clearly it was pretty even up the front.

George Russell

George Russell was mobbed by Mercedes staff after winning the Austria Grand Prix

SKY

"I think we’re well and truly in the mix.

"Silverstone’s a track I always enjoy, team’s home race, so I’m excited for what’s to come."

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