Mercedes driver George Russell took victory in the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix after holding off pressure from his rivals. He moved into second place in the championship standings behind teammate Kimi Antonelli.
The race saw Russell deliver a composed performance while Antonelli struggled after an error in qualifying. Antonelli's untidy first corner and stint left him unable to challenge for the win.
Claire Williams, Russell's former team boss at Williams, said Russell possesses the maturity and self-awareness needed to win the psychological battle against his teammate. She noted his perfectionist approach and the resilience gained from earlier career challenges.
"From my experience of George, I think he is perfectly capable of winning that psychological battle when it comes to trying to win a world championship," Williams told media. She added that championships between teammates often come down to mental strength.
Russell spent time at Williams from 2019 before joining Mercedes in 2022. Williams highlighted how those difficult early years built the foundation for his current form.
