George Russell is victorious in the Austrian Grand Prix

George Russell set the tone for a exciting Sunday of English sport after winning the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Just hours before the country's late show on the football pitch in the Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia, Russell secured a dramatic victory at the Red Bull Ring.

The Formula One ace - who hails from Tydd St Giles - looked set for a place on the podium as he followed reigning champion Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for the majority of the race.

However, a crash between the Dutchman and his McLaren challenger allowed Russell to race through to secure the second Grand Prix win of his career.

Russell said: "It was incredible - that's the only way I can describe it.

"We had a tough fight in the early stages to make sure we held onto third place. That would prove crucial at the end.

"I could see that Max (Verstappen) and Lando (Norris) were having a big battle. We were only just over 10 seconds behind the pair of them, which is really encouraging pace-wise.

"I knew there was a possibility that they could come together, even if it was only a slim chance.

"You have to be there at the end to pick up the pieces and that's exactly where we were. I am so proud to be back on the top step of the podium."

Russell had produced a series of strong showings in the build-up to the main event with a pair of fourth place finishes in the Sprint races.

He then qualified in third place after Oscar Piastri was demoted a place after having his lap time deleted.

A strong start to Sunday's race saw him challenge Norris in the early stages before he traded places with Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton to hold onto his third spot.

A battle behind between Hamilton and Carlos Sainz allowed Russell to open up a gap as he then held third spot into the latter end of the race after places changed due to pit stops.

With seven laps to go, Verstappen and Norris collided in the battle for first place. Both drivers dropped back with punctures and Norris then had to retire.

As a result, Russell took the lead ahead of Piastri and Sainz and crossed the finish line 1.9 seconds ahead of the chasing pack for his first career podium in Austria which is the home track of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

It was a second podium in three races for Russell who is now finding form after a tough start to the season.

He added: "The team have done an amazing job to get us closer to the fight at the front.

"We have made so many strides since the start of the season. The last few races have been great and hopefully there is more to come.

"It's no secret that Max and Lando are a little bit ahead of us at present but we're now consistently putting ourselves in that third position.

"It's an exciting time for us. We're riding a bit of a wave and I can't wait to go to my home race at Silverstone this weekend and see what we can do there."

Russell remains in seventh spot in the overall standings ahead of the British Grand Prix.