Max Verstappen showcased impressive skill and determination as he withstood a fierce early challenge from the McLarens to clinch victory in the Austrian GP Sprint for Red Bull. The thrilling race saw Verstappen seize the lead from pole position, only to face intense pressure from Lando Norris in the early laps. Norris executed a bold move to briefly take the lead at the start of lap five, only to be swiftly re-passed by Verstappen. To add to Norris’ disappointment, his momentum loss allowed team-mate Oscar Piastri to overtake, leaving Norris in third position.
The competitiveness continued as Piastri maintained his lead over Norris for the remainder of the 23-lap race, with Verstappen eventually breaking out of DRS range and securing a comfortable 4.6-second victory. George Russell put in a strong performance for Mercedes, finishing in fourth place after overcoming a setback at the start. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz held his position ahead of Lewis Hamilton to secure fifth place, with Hamilton trailing in sixth.
Further down the grid, Charles Leclerc staged an impressive comeback, gaining three places from his disappointing grid position to finish in seventh place. Sergio Perez, enduring a challenging run in the second Red Bull, secured eighth place, claiming the final point available in the Sprint.
Verstappen’s masterful performance in the Austrian GP Sprint extended his lead in the world championship, building a formidable 71-point advantage over Norris. This victory marks Verstappen’s third win in the three Sprint events held this season, and his 10th triumph in the short-form format since its introduction in 2021.
Austrian GP Sprint: Top 8
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
3) Lando Norris, McLaren
4) George Russell, Mercedes
5) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
6) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
7) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
8) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
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