Race Round Up: What Happened In Austria?

Leclerc cruises to victory over Verstappen in Austria despite late reliability threat.

P1 – LEC

It was the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc who crossed the chequered flag first in Austria, despite a late-race scare when his throttle appeared to be sticking, and thus downshifting much more of a challenge.

P2 – VER

Much to the Orange Army’s demise, polesitter and sprint race winner Max Verstappen lost the lead when he pitted on Lap 12, with Leclerc pitting later on Lap 27. Verstappen ultimately retook the lead on Lap 37. After another round of pitstops, Leclerc regained the lead, followed by Verstappen, and a Speedy Sainz™ charging towards P2.

To Ferrari’s demise and Red Bull’s delight, Sainz suddenly slowed with a fire at the rear of his Flamin’ Hot Ferrari™ (literally). It was a scary end of the race for the Spaniard whose car was still moving (not to mention being engulfed in flames).

P3 – HAM

Sir Lewis rounded out the podium finishers after battling from P8 to P4, and being promoted to P3 thanks to the late retirement of Carlos Sainz. A promising finish for the seven-time world champion!

Best of the Rest

It was the other silver arrow of George Russell who finished a distant P4, who lost time thanks to a lengthy pitstop and five-second penalty from his early tussle with the Red Bull of Sergio Perez, who retired from the race.

Estie Bestie crossed the line a (very) respectable P5, followed by none other than Driver of the Day (and our hearts, if we’re being honest), Mick Schumacher!

Schumacher proved the genes are very strong during his overtakes of Lando Norris (P7) and teammate Kevin Magnussen (P8).

Our honeybadger of a hero, Daniel Ricciardo, crossed the line ninth – rounding out a respectable double points finish for the Papaya army.

The Alpine of Fernando Alonso rounded out the top ten, despite a whopping three pit stops AND starting from the back of the grid. Looks like someone is ready for Leo season to begin, am I right?!

Looking Ahead

The grid heads to the south of France in two weeks’ time, returning to Paul Ricard. Can Leclerc continue this swing of good fortune, or will Verstappen reign victorious once more. It’s all to play for when lights are out!