RACE REPORT | F1 Austria 2024

George Russell from Mercedes was the surprise winner of the Austrian Grand Prix after a collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Just like last year, the 2024 F1 weekend in Austria at Red Bull Ring included a Saturday Sprint Race. Its winner was Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing, who withstood pressure from both McLaren drivers.

The Red Bull driver then also gained pole position for the main race, which he used to take the lead after the start.

Verstappen subsequently controlled the race for a long time, but his second pit stop with less than 20 laps to go was less than ideal, which saw his lead over second-placed Lando Norris reduced.

Norris had great pace in the latter stages of the race and was chasing Verstappen. 

There were some fierce battles between the two drivers, culminating on lap 64 of 71. On the approach to Turn 3, Verstappen's defensive manoeuvre resulted in contact between the two drivers, which forced them both to pit for repairs. Verstappen was able to continue but dropped to fifth place, while Norris had to retire. 

This allowed George Russell to take the lead and subsequently went on to take the win ahead of Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Carlos Sainz (Ferrari). Hamilton (Mercedes) and Verstappen completed the top five. 

The Haas team had a very good race, with their drivers finishing sixth (Nico Hülkenberg) and eighth (Kevin Magnussen).