George Russell secured a sensational victory at the Austrian Grand Prix after a contentious incident between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, both contending for the lead.
Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Norris, causing the McLaren driver to retire from the race. The incident marred what had been a closely fought battle, with both drivers exchanging complaints about each other’s driving.
Russell’s triumph marked Mercedes’ first win since the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Despite late pressure from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Russell maintained his lead to clinch the win.
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari secured the final podium spot, while Lewis Hamilton, despite a five-second penalty, finished fourth. Verstappen, despite his penalty, held onto fifth place.
The collision between Norris and Verstappen occurred following a sequence of intense laps. Verstappen, initially leading with a comfortable margin, faced challenges as Norris closed in after the final pit stops. A slow pit stop and tire strategy put Verstappen on the defensive, leading to a thrilling finale.
The race’s pivotal moment came on lap 62 when Norris attempted an overtake, resulting in contact that ended both drivers’ hopes of victory. Verstappen, criticized for his aggressive driving, managed to limp to the pits with a damaged tire, while Norris was forced to retire due to extensive damage.
Verstappen disputed the penalty he received, but commentators noted his actions exceeded acceptable racing limits. Despite the setback, Verstappen extended his championship lead to 81 points over Norris ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix.
Russell, who had been watching the battle unfold from third place, capitalized on the incident to claim his maiden victory. A late virtual safety car added tension, but Russell maintained his composure to cross the finish line first.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, affected by a controversial qualifying penalty, finished outside the podium despite a strong performance. Carlos Sainz secured fourth place, while a damaged Charles Leclerc battled back to finish just outside the points.
Russell praised his team’s progress and strategy, highlighting Mercedes’ recent upgrades that brought them closer to the front-runners. He acknowledged the competitive spirit of his rivals and expressed pride in his team’s achievements.
