F1: Verstappen defends reputation after collision with Norris as Russell wins Austria GP
- It was the British driver’s second career victory and Mercedes’ first success in 33 outings
George Russell beamed with delight after taking full advantage of a sensational late crash between series leader Max Verstappen and his title rival Lando Norris to win an action-packed Austrian Grand Prix.
It was the British driver’s second career victory and Mercedes’ first success in 33 outings, endorsing their improved form in recent races, but his triumph was overshadowed by the 64th-lap collision that wrecked both Verstappen’s and Norris’ races – and left the Dutchman defending his reputation.
Red Bull’s three-time champion was adjudged to have caused the accident by swerving to his left to hit Norris’ McLaren causing punctures to both cars.
Verstappen managed to pit and finish fifth, despite receiving a 10-second penalty for his reckless driving, but Norris retired after limping to the pits in his damaged car.
Russell came home 1.906 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren with Carlos Sainz third for Ferrari ahead of seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton and Verstappen.
It was a deflating moment, too, for the hordes of Verstappen’s ‘orange army’ fans in the grandstands at Red Bull’s home circuit, the Red Bull Ring.