Lewis Hamilton dubs Austrian Grand Prix ‘shocking’ as George Russell wins dramatic F1 race

Lewis Hamilton believes the Austrian Grand Prix was ‘pretty shocking’ on Sunday – but praised team-mate George Russell for winning the race at the Red Bull Arena.

Russell was able to capitalise on a crash between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, with the Mercedes star finishing ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz Jr.

As for Hamilton, the veteran could only finish fourth.

And despite Russell winning the big event, Hamilton believes the race was ‘pretty shocking’.

Lewis Hamilton has reacted after finishing fourth at the Austrian Grand Prix

“Pretty shocking, but I’m really happy for the team,” he said.

“Everyone at the factory has worked so hard this year to get a result.

“So a big congratulations to the team and to George and it was well deserved.”

When asked to elaborate, he added: “Me, it’s been pretty…shh all weekend.

“Not for the lack of trying but generally slow.”

Russell, meanwhile, said it was ‘incredible’ after winning his first race of the season.

Like Hamilton he paid tribute to all Mercedes staff members – insisting they’ve been able to ‘pick up the pieces’ after a difficult start to the season.

“Incredible, it was a tough fight out there at the beginning of the race just to hold onto that P3 and I saw on the TV Max and Lando getting pretty hard, I knew Lando would be wanting to get that race win,” he said.

“The team have done an amazing job to get us into this fight and you’ve got to be there to pick it up the pieces and that’s where we were.

“I couldn’t believe how close were to Max and Lando, it was a possibility, you are always dreaming but as I said you are so proud to be back on the top step.

“The team have worked so hard, they’ve made so many strides since the start of the season.

“The last two races have been incredible so more to come.”

And Russell has admitted he’s now set his sights on winning the British Grand Prix next weekend.

“We are riding a bit of a wave at the moment, these last three races have been incredible,” he said.

“I think realistically we probably could have won the race in Canada but this makes up for one too many mistakes on my side.”

Lewis Hamilton was unhappy with his performance at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday

As for Piastri, the McLaren driver was pleased with his performance – but gutted to miss out on a place at the top of the podium.

“There’s a lot of what ifs and maybes,” he said.

“Obviously, starting from yesterday I know it’s only my fourth podium in F1, so close to a win, it hurts.

“I think second half of the race we were coming on pretty strong, I am happy with another podium, when it’s that close you can’t help but hurt a bit.”

On the upcoming British Grand Prix, he added: “It’s not my home Grand Prix but McLaren’s, it was a place of good memories from last year.

Lewis Hamilton has congratulated George Russell after his Mercedes team-mate won the Austrian Grand Prix

“Hopefully we can be at the front. I don’t know what happened with Lando and Max.

“It’s our team home race, I’m excited for what is to come.”