Verstappen and Norris crash gives way to Russell’s Austria GP win

30th June 2024

Sir Lewis Hamilton described the Red Bull Ring Race as "pretty shocking"

The Austrian Grand Prix concluded with a shocking twist as George Russell clinched his second career win after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris crashed out of 1st and 2nd place respectively, leaving the top spot wide open for the Mercedes driver, reports Damian Hall.

Starting in 3rd, Russell faced an immediate challenge from teammate Sir Lewis Hamilton, who briefly overtook him on lap 3. However, Russell reclaimed his position using the Drag Reduction System (DRS) on the run down to turn 4.

The race was filled with drama, most shockingly on lap 64 when Verstappen and Norris collided. Norris had good pace and had been gradually closing the gap. Additional aid came in the form of a poor Red Bull pit stop and DRS from lapped cars.

On lap 55, Norris attempted an inside move at turn 3, but Verstappen defended by moving under braking, which is generally unsafe and against the rules.

By lap 59, Norris received a final warning for track limits as he used every inch of the track available to gain every tenth to remain quicker than Verstappen ahead. He briefly led at turn 3 before losing the position.

Then came the collision on lap 64, which caused damage to Verstappen’s left rear and Norris’ front wing and right front. This forced both drivers to pit. Norris opted to retire, while Verstappen went out to salvage what was left of the race.

However, Russell maintained his position after the intense battle between the two. Their collision allowed Russell to inherit the lead and secure the win. “It was a tough fight out there at the beginning of the race,” Russell said. “You’ve got to be there at the end to pick up the pieces, and that’s what we did.”

Hamilton, who started 5th, finished 4th despite a series of setbacks. He gained a position early on, but had to relinquish it to avoid a potential penalty for making the pass off-track. A 5-second penalty for crossing the pit lane entry line and damage to his car’s floor further complicated his race.

“[I’m] Really happy for the team,” Hamilton said post-race referring to the points Mercedes received for their 1st and 4th place finishes.

Verstappen, who maintained a lead for the majority of the race, finished 5th. This was despite a 10-second penalty for causing the collision between himself and Championship rival Norris.

During a post race interview, Norris expressed his disappointment: “It was a mistake-free race from my side, but got taken out of the race no more than that. [Max] ruined his own race as much as he ruined mine”.

Verstappen hit back in his interview after the race: “Everyone can have their own opinion, but I am the one driving.”

The crash benefited several drivers, including Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri who finished 2nd. “[I’m] happy with another podium, just when it’s that close it can’t help but hurt a little bit,” Piastri said. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz secured 3rd, calling it “Quite an eventful race.”

With the second race of the triple header complete and a temporary pause in the championship battle between Verstappen and Norris, the Formula One Championship now heads to Silverstone, United Kingdom.

This is the home race for George Russell, Sir Lewis Hamilton, and closest championship rival Lando Norris.

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