Max Verstappen Controls Austrian GP Sprint Race With Strong Defense, Third Lando Norris Finish

JAKARTA - Max Verstappen displayed impressive defensive performances to withstand pressure from Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and won the Austrian GP sprint race Saturday, June 29.

Norris had taken the lead from Verstappen on the fifth lap of 23 laps in the hot Red Bull Ring, Spielberg. However, Verstappen quickly took over from Norris at the next corner before crossing the finish line with a difference of 4.6 seconds from Piastri, while Norris had to settle for finishing in third.

George Russell finished fourth for Mercedes, one position ahead of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton, who started sixth, also finished in the same position.

Verstappen's win saw him expand his lead in the world champions from 69 points to 71 points ahead of the qualifying session which will determine the grid for the main event on Sunday, June 30.

Verstappen claimed victory in the Austrian GP sprint race on Saturday afternoon, featured an impressive show to contain competitors and take the top spot. "So scathing, but good results," Verstappen said on the radio.

Verstappen beat Norris to a pole with a difference of just 0.093 seconds before successfully guarding Norris behind him in a short sprint into the opening corner.

Norris takes the lead ➡️ Verstappen reclaims it ➡️ Piastri swoops past NorrisRiveting racing from the front three 🍿#F1Sprint #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/WjORyXuvx5

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 29, 2024

Norris takes the lead Verstappen reclaims it Piastri swoops past NorrisRiveting rate from the front three #F1Sprint #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/WjORyXuvx5

Instead of facing Verstappen, Norris had to pay attention to Piastri in the rear mirror where the Briton was forced to defend in Rounds 3 and 4.

Furthermore, Russell slipped one position to fifth after Sainz defeated the Mercedes racer. Russell managed to get his position back on lap eight.

At the end of the first lap, Verstappen took the lead with a nine-ten-second lead over Norris, but the 24-year-old racer from Glastonbury managed to remain within DRS.

On the third lap, Norris completely pressed behind Red Bull Verstappen and the three-time world champion had to put his car at apex at the third and fourth corners to hold his rivals.

Norris tried to see outside Verstappen at Turn 4 in the next round, but Verstappen again showed impressive defensive performances.

On the fifth lap, Norris launched his McLaren into Verstappen at the third Turn to take the lead. But Norris brought too much speed into the corner, allowing Verstappen to keep the moment at Turn four and get back ahead of him. Piastri also managed to get past Norris as the Briton suddenly dropped from first to third.

Piastri were unable to match Verstappen's pace and, as Verstappen extended his lead, the spotlight turned to a fight for second between McLaren's two teammates.

Norris managed to keep Piastri within reach of the plaid flag, but was unable to find a way to surpass it, finishing seven by ten seconds behind.

The qualification for the 71-round Grand Prix on Sunday will take place at 16:00 p.m. local time.