Sprint Results 2024 Austrian F1 Grand Prix
Event: Austrian F1 Grand Prix
Track: Red Bull Ring circuit
Weather: dry 29.8°C
Tarmac: dry 45.8°C
Humidity: 41%
Wind: 6.1 km/h South
Max Verstappen Triumphs in Thrilling Austrian Sprint Race
The picturesque Red Bull Ring played host to another exhilarating Sprint race on Saturday, showcasing the high-octane drama that the Formula 1 season has delivered thus far. Max Verstappen clinched his fifth consecutive Sprint win, but not without a gripping contest against McLaren’s dynamic duo, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen Reigns Supreme
Max Verstappen once again demonstrated why he is the driver to beat this season. Despite a brief loss of the lead to Lando Norris on Lap 5, Verstappen regained his position with a masterful overtake at Turns 4 and 5. The Dutchman then controlled the race, fending off challenges from the McLarens and securing his 10th career Sprint victory. This win also adds another 8 points to his tally, reinforcing his dominance in the championship standings.
McLaren’s Strong Showing
McLaren enjoyed a standout performance, with both cars finishing in the top three for the first time this season. Oscar Piastri secured an impressive second place, overtaking his teammate shortly after Verstappen reclaimed the lead. Lando Norris, who initially thrilled fans with his bold move to snatch the lead from Verstappen, settled for third. Their strong performance in the Sprint bodes well for their prospects in Sunday’s Grand Prix and the ongoing constructors' championship battle.
The Battle Highlights
The race was not short of action and pivotal moments. Norris’s audacious move on Lap 5 to take the lead was a highlight, albeit short-lived. Piastri's subsequent overtake on Norris added another layer of excitement, showcasing the young Australian's burgeoning talent.
Further down the field, George Russell finished in a solid fourth place, while Carlos Sainz, Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Sergio Perez rounded out the top eight, each adding crucial points to their respective championship campaigns.
Controversies and Incidents
Nico Hulkenberg's aggressive move on Fernando Alonso at Turn 3 on Lap 21, forcing the Aston Martin driver off the track, was a significant incident. The stewards have noted the incident, and an investigation post-race could potentially lead to a penalty for Hulkenberg.
Post-Race Reactions
Verstappen expressed satisfaction with his performance despite the challenges posed by the McLarens. "Once the DRS opens it’s very hard to get out of it. It took a few laps and some exciting battles, but once we cleared the DRS, I could manage my own race," Verstappen commented.
Piastri was pleased but felt there was room for improvement: "I’m happy with second, but I didn’t quite have the pace in the second half. I thought Max and Lando were going to pave the way for me, but it wasn’t to be."
Norris reflected on the race positively, despite some regrets. "A good race between us, especially with Max at the beginning. I probably could have done some things better, but the pace of the car was very strong at the end."
Classification 2024 Austrian Sprint
P | No | Driver | Team | Time | Laps | Points |
1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 26:41.389 | 23 | 8 |
2 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +4.616s | 23 | 7 |
3 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +5.348s | 23 | 6 |
4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | +8.354s | 23 | 5 |
5 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari | +9.989s | 23 | 4 |
6 | 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | +11.207s | 23 | 3 |
7 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +13.424s | 23 | 2 |
8 | 11 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull | +17.409s | 23 | 1 |
9 | 20 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas | +24.067s | 23 | 0 |
10 | 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | +30.175s | 23 | 0 |
11 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Alpine | +30.839s | 23 | 0 |
12 | 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | +31.308s | 23 | 0 |
13 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Racing Bulls | +35.452s | 23 | 0 |
14 | 3 | Daniel Ricciardo | Racing Bulls | +39.397s | 23 | 0 |
15 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | +43.155s | 23 | 0 |
16 | 2 | Logan Sargeant | Williams | +44.076s | 23 | 0 |
17 | 23 | Alex Albon | Williams | +44.673s | 23 | 0 |
18 | 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Sauber | +46.511s | 23 | 0 |
19 | 27 | *Nico Hülkenberg | Haas | +48.423s | 23 | 0 |
20 | 24 | Zhou Guanyu | Sauber | +53.143s | 23 | 0 |
*Penalty: Nico Hulkenberg, Haas #27 received a 10-second time penalty for forcing another driver off the track.
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A relatively straightforward sprint after Piastri’s pass for P2.
It surprised me Max could hold off both McLarens. If they start to join forces they should have passed him quite easily if you ask me... slipstreaming like cyclist do?
Give you to think how good Verstappen is as a race driver...
Was the victory ever really,really in doubt lets be honest, for proof see the race quali times
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