Red Bull Ring, Papaya Storm: Norris Wins for McLaren

Lando Norris clinched a sensational victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, completing a dramatic and chaotic weekend. Despite missing FP1 – as Alex Dunne took the wheel for McLaren – Norris dominated the weekend topping FP2, FP3, and qualifying on pole. With four retirements, a fierce McLaren battle, and Bortoleto named Driver of the Day, the Red Bull Ring delivered entertainment. 

The chaos began before the lights even went out. Carlos Sainz retired during the formation lap, as his car failed to start properly. Smoke poured from the rear, the brakes caught fire, and his race ended before it even began. 

At the start, Norris got the launch he needed. Charles Leclerc, who started alongside him, lost second place to Oscar Piastri in the first corner. Further back, chaos erupted when Antonelli locked up into a corner, clipping Verstappen’s rear axle. The contact sent both cars off track and out of the race. 

Following a brief safety car, Norris nailed the restart, but Piastri remained within DRS range, kicking off a thrilling 20-lap team battle. Under pressure, Norris lost the lead on lap 11 as Piastri surged ahead – only for Norris to fight back a second later. Piastri continued to push hard behind Norris who struggled with his car. Going into Turn 4 a few laps later, Piastri made a deep dive and locked up, nearly colliding with Norris. The move drew a warning from the team, calling it “too marginal.” Both McLarens soon pitted, giving fans a moment to breathe. 

It was a nightmare weekend for Williams. Alex Albon pulled into the pits mid-race with an issue the team needed to investigate, meaning both drivers failed to finish. 

Elsewhere in the midfield, Yuki Tsunoda and Franco Colapinto made contact. Colapinto spun but managed to continue, while Tsunoda received a 10-second penalty for causing a collision.  

With 20 laps to go, Norris reclaimed the lead but began dropping pace, and Piastri was hunting again. Norris hit traffic as Colapinto pitted, costing him a full second and allowing Piastri to close in. Later, when Piastri had to pass the same lapped car, Colapinto forced him onto the grass at high speed, costing him a second and earning Colapinto a five-second penalty. 

Ultimately, Norris held on to take the checkered flag, winning the Austrian Grand Prix. Piastri completed the McLaren 1-2, while Leclerc rounded off the podium in third. Kick Sauber delivered an impressive double-points finish, with Bortoleto in eighth and Hulkenberg in ninth. 

The battle resumes next week at Silverstone, where McLaren will look to carry their momentum into their home Grand Prix in front of a passionate British crowd.