Verstappen-Norris, accident! Russell wins in Austria, Sainz on the podium. Leclerc…

GP Austria, the race

Max gets off to a great start while behind him Norris has to resist Russell’s attack with Hamilton overtaking Sainz as he exits the track, in fact the Briton gives up the position on lap 6 with the Spaniard chasing Russell. The race was immediately compromised for Leclerc to change the front wing due to a contact with Piastri at the first corner of the 1st lap. At the 25th the yellow of the grand prix: Verstappen makes his stop, leaves the garage with Norris who brakes visibly, complaining via radio about “unsafe release” (which would mean a 5″ penalty for the Dutchman), after 10 laps the race direction he decides not to take action considering the Brit’s braking a little too dramatic. On lap 52 the race becomes a thriller: Slow pit stop for Verstappen followed by an error by the same driver on the out lap with Norris who from 7″ takes over to play for the victory, all with the black and white flag for Norris (track-limits). Close battle and 54th contact!!! Norris attacks on the outside, Vertsappen moves to the outside and contact comes resulting in a double puncture for the two! Norris has the worst of it because he has to retire with a penalty, Russell takes the lead of the race, Verstappen manages to return to the pits and exit in 5th place with a red tyre but with a 10″ penalty for having caused the accident, in fact, the penalty costs him nothing with 16″ on 6th. Leclerc comes back but finishes just outside the points zone (11th).