George Russell feels his last two results have given him a timely confidence boost following a difficult run, after he bolstered his Formula One title hopes by winning Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

Russell triumphed from pole at the Red Bull Ring to become the 10th two-time winner of the race, having previously triumphed there in 2024.

Russell held off a challenge from four-time world champion Max Verstappen – who was seeking a record-extending fifth race win in Austria – while his Mercedes team-mate Kimi Antonelli finished third.

The win cut Antonelli's advantage over Russell in the drivers' championship standings to 40 points, also lifting the Silver Arrows driver above Lewis Hamilton and into second in the standings.

Russell had finished second in Barcelona two weeks ago, and after a retirement in Canada and a 12th-placed finish in Monaco, he believes those results were much-needed.  

"These tough races definitely test you psychologically," he told Sky Sports F1. "These last two weekends, for me, have been vitally important to remind myself I can do it.

"Single lap, race pace, it was all very strong this weekend, on a track that was probably not well-suited to my style. I look forward to heading to Silverstone!"

Antonelli continues to lead the title race following his sixth podium finish in eight outings, but he believes he discovered his true pace slightly too late on Sunday.

"I was a bit too excited on the first few laps! I definitely didn't drive well," the 19-year-old said.

"I made too many mistakes and on the first stint on the medium tyres, I lost three or four seconds with the mistakes. I was struggling with the brakes.

"After I changed tyres, I reset and the pace at the end was very strong. It was a shame I joined the party a bit too late.

"On my side, there's a lot to improve, I have to minimise the mistakes."

While Verstappen was unable to overhaul Russell, he did record his best result of 2026 and just his second podium finish of the campaign, having placed third in Canada.

And he hailed Red Bull's progress as he said: "It was a very good race for us. The first few laps were quite fun, and then it was basically about trying to manage your tyres.

"I think I was in quite a good window for half the race and then picked up a few issues with the car, which prevented me from finding that rhythm. But to be second, and that close to a win, is extremely positive."

The British Grand Prix is next in the diary, at Silverstone next week, as Russell attempts to win back-to-back races for the very first time.