Incredible final in the Austrian GP: George Russell WINS, Verstappen knocks out Norris in the final duel! Piastri and Sainz go on the podium
SOUNDBITE in Austria! Crazy race finale in Spielberg: after a long ride by Max Verstappen followed by Lando Norris, the two engage several times in a duel at the limit. However, Verstappen comes out of it as “in the old days”, hot-headed and ready to do anything: after several defenses at the limits of the rules, the Dutchman pushes Norris out, puncturing both his tire and that of the British driver. Max, however, manages to get back in fifth position, while Norris must retire due to injuries.
The winner is therefore George Russell, followed by Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz: an incredible movie-like finale, with the Briton winning his second career race.
The race report
THE DEPARTURE – Max Verstappen starts very well as alwaysmaintaining the leadership of the GP. Those who continue to betraying in decisive moments is Lando Norriswhich creates a funnel starting slowly causing everyone to slow down. Funnel from which, and it doesn’t surprise us, Leclerc pays the consequences: Piastri hits his front wing and is forced to pitstarting from the penultimate position.
On the track it’s an immediate duel: Sainz passes Hamilton, while Piastri performs a masterpiece on Perez overtaking the Mexican on the outside, and taking sixth place. In the rear, however, is duel between the two from Haas: Magnussen and Hulkenberg overtake several times, with even some radio teams piqued by the Dane.
It’s coming though an investigation for Max Verstappen: the Dutch driver risks a five-second penalty, with Norris currently 7.6 seconds behind. Only investigation though: “no further action” for the Red Bull driver, who therefore remains immune from any sanctions.
Duel also between the two Alpine drivers: hard contact between Ocon and Gaslywith driver number 31 being investigated by the stewards. The race continues instead Leclerc’s nightmare: the Rossa driver is sixteenth, with no less than three pit stops made halfway through the race.
Surprise on lap 52: both Verstappen and Norris stop with the Red Bull misses the pit stop and takes 6.7 seconds to fit the Dutch driver with hard tyres. Immediately after, a big lock-up occurs in turn 4: Max now appears vulnerable.
The duel between the two begins: Norris tries immediately on lap 55 in turn 3, but Verstappen defends himself at the limitThe two continue to outdo each other, with Norris going wide, taking the last potential “slot” due to track limits and causing an investigation by the race stewards. Great controversy over Verstappen’s type of defense: the Dutchman changes direction while braking, a maneuver not permitted by the regulations.
And here we come to contact: madness by Verstappen who hits Norris twice, and then also throws him onto the grass. Norris forced to retire, Verstappen returns and
Photo: Formula 1
