From pole position Max Verstappen showed off a spectacular performance. The McLarens will try again tomorrow in the Grand Prix.
As the lights went out, three-time world champion Max Verstappen held off McLaren’s Lando Norris. The Dutchman’s start was perfect. Piastri and Norris immediately engaged in battle. The Ferraris had an excellent start. Leclerc moved up from tenth to seventh with a great pass on Sergio Perez on the opening lap.
Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, overtook both Mercedes. With a very hot foot, the Matador’s son was cool in his overtaking action on the English duo. Verstappen tried to dictate the pace, but Norris managed to stay in the Dutchman’s slipstream. The Englishman made himself seen in the mirrors of the number 1. Max Verstappen has widened his shoulders with a defensive shield.
Jos’ son-in-law was unable to make the right move to build a small margin for a more relaxed life on the straight. The 3 consecutive DRS zones gave the McLaren drivers a chance. Norris found the gap with the mobile wing wide open, however Max, once overtaken, took back the position with a phenomenal inside move. Norris defended himself badly and, in one fell swoop, slipped to third place because Piastri took advantage of the maneuver.
SR Austria, Ferrari in crisis
Sainz, after an excellent start, found himself breathing down the neck of Russell and Hamilton’s Mercedes. On the eighth lap CS55 was overtaken by the former Williams driver, also due to some difficulties with the brakes. At the moment the Red appears to have become fourth force, even on a historically favorable track. What makes the difference is the guidance of Max Verstappen who never leaves anything unturned.
The Dutchman responded blow for blow in the home leg for RB, despite not having a perfect car. Leclerc’s SF-24 also had trouble with the PU. They asked him, via radio, to do a lift and coast. An SF-24 that was increasingly in trouble, despite the development package brought in the last few outings. In the first sector, the Monegasque lost a lot in the first sector. The challenge tomorrow will be even more uphill with more laps. Verstappen will have the chance to extend his lead in the standings, replicating today’s success in the SR. Here are the times for tomorrow’s race. Norris, on the other hand, still appears too immature to worry a bulldog like Verstappen.
