It wasn’t Max Verstappen or Lando Norris, but George Russell who claimed victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday. The Mercedes driver capitalized on a breathtaking duel between the former two, who collided in the final stages of the race. This marked Russell’s first win since the São Paulo GP in 2022. Finishing behind Russell was Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri, a silver lining for McLaren.
For a long time, it seemed like a sovereign victory for Verstappen was on the cards. After all, the three-time world champion from Red Bull had easily won the sprint race on Saturday, and he was also dominant in the qualifying round a few hours later. All the commotion surrounding the feud between his father Jos and team boss Christian Horner seemed to have no effect on him. “The more trouble, the harder Max drives,” Jos Verstappen stated somewhat sarcastically. However, things went completely wrong the next day.
Verstappen’s Textbook Start
The start from pole went according to plan for Verstappen. He got off to a good start and his leading position was not threatened, with Norris just behind him. He immediately took a slight lead over the McLaren driver, who in turn was able to gain a slight advantage over the Mercedes drivers George Russell and Lewis Hamilton behind him. Both Silver Arrows were battling each other, causing them to lose ground on the leading duo.
For Verstappen, everything seemed to be going smoothly. After ten of the 71 laps, his lead over his rival was nearly four seconds, and after twenty laps, it was over six seconds.
Exciting Pitlane Drama
The race only becomes exciting in the pitlane. After 23 laps, Verstappen and Norris head in for their first pitstop to swap their medium tires for the hard compounds. However, as Verstappen drives away, Norris is just coming in, causing him to brake for a brief moment. This situation, somewhat reminiscent of a ‘schwalbe’, is investigated by the stewards for a potential unsafe release. They conclude that Verstappen is not to blame. As a result, halfway through the race, the gap between the two is already over eight seconds.
Midfield, there is considerably more action. For instance, the Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon once again clash.
In the second half of the race, Verstappen and Norris are somewhat hindered by backmarkers, but the margin seems safe. That is until another mishap occurs in the pitlane. When Verstappen comes in for his second stop (to used mediums) after 54 laps, the change of the left rear tire goes awry, causing him to wait for the incoming Norris who gets new mediums on his McLaren.
Breathtaking Battle
Verstappen’s slow pitstop (6.5 seconds) means his seemingly safe lead has evaporated. “Oh my God,” Verstappen sighs over the radio. The gap between the two is suddenly less than a second. Thus, a breathtaking battle ensues, with tire management and track limits playing a role.
Twice, Verstappen is pushed off the track during an overtaking maneuver by the extremely aggressive Norris. On his third overtaking attempt, it goes completely wrong. It’s a hard-fought battle, and the two collide. Both suffer a puncture, have to pit, and receive a time penalty from the stewards: ten seconds for Verstappen, five for Norris. George Russell, who was far behind the two leaders, is handed the race lead.
Due to the debris on the track, a virtual safety car situation arises. It’s a godsend for Russell. He finally delivers a victory for Mercedes.
