George Russell finishes 3rd in Belgian GP as Antonelli wins

George Russell claimed a hard-fought third-place finish at the Belgian Grand Prix on July 19, 2026, as Andrea Antonelli staged a dramatic late-race charge to overtake Charles Leclerc for victory. The Mercedes driver held off fierce competition to secure his second podium of the season.

What happened in the race?

The Belgian GP delivered high-speed action at Spa-Francorchamps, with Antonelli making a bold move on Leclerc in the final laps to seize the lead. Russell, starting from P4, executed a flawless strategy to climb onto the podium. His teammate Lewis Hamilton finished fifth, while Max Verstappen retired early due to mechanical issues.

Why it matters for George Russell

This podium finish marks a crucial moment for Russell’s championship hopes. With Verstappen’s absence, Russell capitalized on the opportunity to close the gap in the standings. His consistent performance under pressure highlights his growing confidence in the W15 car.

What comes next for Russell?

Looking ahead, Russell aims to build on this momentum at the upcoming Dutch GP. The Mercedes team will analyze data from Spa to refine their setup, targeting another strong result. Russell’s podium adds to his reputation as a rising star in Formula 1.