WATCH: Lewis Hamilton applauds teammate George Russell on-track for winning the Austrian GP

Lewis Hamilton clapped for George Russell as the 26-year-old took his second F1 career win in Austria.

WATCH: Lewis Hamilton applauds teammate George Russell on-track for winning the Austrian GP

Lewis Hamilton and George Russell (images via IMAGO)

The Austrian GP came to an end with George Russell surprisingly winning the race. The Briton started the race from fourth position behind McLaren, this was a surprising victory for Mercedes and Russell shocked the Formula 1 community and everyone on the grid.

George Russell‘s teammate Lewis Hamilton showed his appreciation by clapping for him from the car when the race ended. This gesture was a way for Hamilton to congratulate Russell and show his support and admiration for his teammate’s achievement. It also demonstrated sportsmanship between teammates in the competitive world of Formula 1.

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George Russell’s win could mainly be attributed to the battle between top runners Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Both drivers engaged in a wheel-to-wheel battle, during which Norris made contact with Verstappen’s car. This collision forced Norris to retire from the race, despite starting from second position. Verstappen, on the other hand, managed to change his tire during the pit stop following the incident. This incident created an opportunity for Russell and Piastri at the back. Russell remained in the lead and clinched the victory.

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Max Verstappen’s loss can also be attributed to Red Bull’s pit stop delay. They took more than 6 seconds to change his tires, which is so long and a rare occurrence for Red Bull. This extended pit stop caused Verstappen to spend too much time in the pits, resulting in him losing positions on the track. Ultimately, this led to his battle with Norris which ended in the incident.

George Russell expresses his feelings over Austrian GP win

When George Russell was leading the race, team principal, Toto Wolff, encouraged him over the team radio. He said, Russell can win the race after he saw an opportunity for the Briton after the incident involving Norris and Verstappen. Norris had to retire from the race due to the incident, and Verstappen received a 10-second penalty. This put the Mercedes driver in the lead.

George you can win this. You can win this.
Toto Wolff said via team radio
George Russell
George Russell (Via: Imago)

When George Russell was leading after the Norris and Verstappen incident, he said on the radio that the race wasn’t over until he won it. Russell anticipated the race dynamics and saw the opportunity to capitalize on the situation. The race took a sudden turn towards the end, resulting in a surprising victory for Russell. It was unexpected because no one had expected Max Verstappen losing to Russell and Mercedes at Red Bull’s home race in Austria.

It's not over until it's over.
George Russell said

Certainly, Toto Wolff and teammate Lewis Hamilton expressed great satisfaction with George Russell’s victory at the Red Bull Ring. Red Bull fans were disappointed despite Verstappen’s qualifying and Sprint dominance, as their team didn’t win the home race. George Russell’s unexpected win was a significant victory for Mercedes over Red Bull on their home track.

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