Formula 1 - Crash involving Verstappen and Norris: Russell wins at Spielberg
After a collision between World Champion Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, George Russell won the surprising Grand Prix of Austria for Mercedes.
World Champion Verstappen limped to the finish line as fifth after causing a late crash at Red Bull's home race in Spielberg, but for his McLaren rival, the race was prematurely ended. Verstappen extended his championship lead to 81 points over Norris.
Russell celebrated his first Grand Prix win since Brazil 2022. Norris' McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri finished second after an exhilarating race in the final stages. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz finished third. Routine driver Nico Hülkenberg scored points for Haas in sixth place.
Unlucky again for Leclerc
With high summer temperatures of 30 degrees and above, Verstappen defended his top position at the start and easily pulled away in the first few laps. Just 21 hours earlier, he had struggled in the Sprint and had to fend off Norris and Piastri's attacks on the McLaren using his maneuvers. Despite this, the three-time champion won the sprint race over 100 kilometers and earned eight championship points.
In the main race, no one could keep up at the beginning, but it was particularly bad for Ferrari star Charles Leclerc. The Monaco Grand Prix winner had to pit after a touch with Piastri in the first lap and change his front wing. The 26-year-old fell to the back of the field and worked his way back up, while Norris didn't get significantly closer to Verstappen.
Verstappen complained of tire wear issues over the radio 20 laps before the end. Then his team had trouble at the pit stop and took 6.5 seconds to get him back on track. Norris was now only 1.3 seconds behind, and he briefly overtook Verstappen in lap 59. But Verstappen immediately regained the lead. The racing continued to be tough - too tough. In lap 64, there was a serious collision between the two teammates, causing both to lose their positions at the front.
Norris had to retire from the race. Verstappen, however, managed to limp back to the pits and continue, receiving a time penalty for the crash. The lead was taken in the chaotic final phase by Russell ahead of Piastri and Sainz. Verstappen did everything he could to improve his result but could only manage fifth place.
- Despite the collision, Carlos Sainz managed to finish the Grand Prix in Austria for Ferrari, securing a third-place podium finish.
- Max Verstappen's title rival, Carlos Sainz, had a strong performance, capitalizing on Norris' misfortune.
- Meanwhile, Mclaren Group Limited's new signing, Oscar Piastri, showcased his talent in the final stages, securing a second-place finish.
- As the race unfolded in Austria, Mercedes-Benz driver George Russell reminisced about his last win in Brazil, feeling motivated to defend his position.
- Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari are known rivals in the world of Formula 1, with the International Formula 1 race in Austria being a notable battleground.
- Despite the high summer temperatures, Max Verstappen maintained his lead in the early stages of the GP Austria, demonstrating his skill and determination.
- Charle Leclerc, the Monaco Grand Prix winner, experienced yet another setback, losing significant time due to a collision with Piastri in the first lap.
- The collaboration between McLaren and Mercedes-Benz teams added an extra layer of intrigue to the GP Austria, with drivers Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, and George Russell, all in contention.
- The Mercedes-Benz team benefited from Nico Hülkenberg's sixth-place finish for Haas, providing valuable points in the team's pursuit of the Formula 1 championship crown.
