Verstappen wins Austria Sprint Race, both McLarens behind

Max Verstappen held off a strong challenge from McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to win the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix. The early laps saw Norris pressuring Verstappen, but he lost second place to Piastri when he attempted a bold move for the lead on lap five. Despite a late effort to reclaim his position, Norris finished third, just behind Piastri.

George Russell of Mercedes finished fourth after overtaking Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz on lap eight. However, Lewis Hamilton, Russell’s teammate, couldn’t follow suit and settled for sixth place. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari advanced from tenth on the grid to seventh, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez took the final point in eighth place.

The first half of the race was characterized by a close battle at the front, with Verstappen leading a tightly packed group of six cars that included Norris, Piastri, Sainz, Russell, Hamilton, and Leclerc, who gained three positions on the opening lap.

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Norris made a significant attempt to pass Verstappen on lap five, diving late into Turn Three to briefly take the lead. Verstappen quickly countered, reclaiming the position at Turn Four. This maneuver caused both drivers to run wide, allowing Piastri to close in. As the McLarens approached Turn Six side by side, Norris, positioned on the inside but slightly behind, yielded to Piastri.

In the closing laps, Norris tried to challenge Piastri again but was unable to mount a serious attack due to tire wear.