In a thrilling turn of events, George Russell seized an unexpected victory at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix following a dramatic collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. The Red Bull Ring hosted a riveting race where Verstappen and Norris, locked in an intense battle for the lead, saw their hopes dashed in a heart-stopping incident on lap 58.
Verstappen, who had dominated much of the weekend, started from pole position and maintained a comfortable lead. However, Norris, showcasing McLaren’s improved pace, remained a persistent threat. As the race progressed, Norris closed the gap, setting up a nail-biting duel with the reigning world champion.
The climax came as Verstappen and Norris approached Turn 3, where a daring overtaking maneuver by Norris resulted in a collision. Both cars spun off the track, sustaining significant damage that forced their immediate retirement. The incident brought out the safety car, reshuffling the order and opening the door for a new leader.
George Russell, who had been running a solid race in third, capitalized on the chaos. Restarting in the lead, Russell showcased flawless driving to fend off challenges from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton. He crossed the finish line to claim his first victory of the season and his second career win.
Leclerc secured second place, marking a strong recovery drive, while Hamilton completed the podium in third. The result has significant implications for the championship standings, with Russell moving up to third in the drivers’ championship. The dramatic outcome in Austria underscores the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and sets the stage for an exciting second half of the season.
Verstappen started to struggle with his tyres in the middle stint as Norris chased him down
Published in F1
