Max Verstappen won the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix but only after the Red Bull driver had to endure a tight fight with the McLarens of Oscar Piastri, who was second, and Lando Norris, who finished third. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton were in fourth and sixth for Mercedes, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in fifth.
After a series of races where he has been pushed hard by Norris and McLaren, Verstappen, while he won at the Red Bull Ring, was again reminded his huge early-season advantage has all but gone.
This is Verstappen’s 10th sprint race victory: he won at the British Grand Prix in 2021 and at Imola and Austria in 2022, then in Austria, Belgium the US and Brazil last year and China and Miami at the previous rounds this season. He has been repeatedly critical of the format while demonstrating great command since it was introduced.
Verstappen held his lead into turn one leading from Norris and Piastri, however the Dutchman was unable to open a gap on Norris, who attacked him with no shortage of verve. By lap five the Briton was snapping at Verstappen’s heels and passed him into turn three for the lead, only for Verstappen to retake the place at turn four.
Piastri in turn looked to take advantage as he too showed great pace in a three-way battle, and nipped in at turn five to take second from his teammate, the sprint for once delivering the intense thrill ride F1 had always imagined for the format.
Verstappen complained the charging of his battery was costing him time but nonetheless by lap 14 managed to eke out a two-second lead on Piastri as the two McLarens eased up on their tyres after the aggressive pounding they took in the opening laps.
Norris moved up on Piastri but had no clear pace advantage on his teammate and the team did not move the Australian over, as Verstappen further extended his lead. He had done enough to take the line after 23 laps, 4.6sec in front. Coming straight back at Norris proved absolutely vital in notching up another win but suggested the race on Sunday will be a tight fight at the front of the field.
With victory in the 100km dash, Verstappen now leads Norris by 71 points in the world championship. Charles Leclerc, third in the overall standings, finished seventh for Ferrari, with Sergio Pérez eighth for Red Bull.