F1 Austrian Grand Prix: Verstappen Beats Piastri to Win Red Bull Ring Sprint; Norris Completes Podium

Verstappen emerged victorious in a thrilling Austrian Grand Prix sprint race, fending off a strong challenge from McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris took the lead briefly, but Verstappen swiftly regained control.  Verstappen then dominated the race, extending his lead to secure his tenth win from just fourteen sprint races. Meanwhile, Mercedes' George Russell displayed impressive fighting spirit. Despite losing a position early on, he battled back to reclaim it.  Ferrari's performance was less stellar. While Carlos Sainz managed to finish ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, he was only able to secure fifth place. Red Bull's Sergio Perez also had a lacklustre race, bringing home the final point in eighth position.

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F1 Austrian Grand Prix: Sprint Race Result

After an early lead by polesitter Verstappen, McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri caught up to the Red Bull with the help of DRS. Norris briefly overtook Verstappen at Turn 3 on lap five in a race shortened to 23 laps for safety reasons. However, Verstappen quickly regained the lead at Turn 4, and Piastri then passed Norris at Turn 6 to take second place.

Carlos Sainz's Ferrari initially advanced to fourth, but George Russell's Mercedes reclaimed the spot and defended against both Sainz and teammate Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc improved from 10th to finish seventh, ahead of Sergio Perez in eighth.

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Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly's Alpines dropped to 11th and 12th, behind Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll. Stroll finished six places ahead of teammate Fernando Alonso, who lost two positions late in the race to Nico Hulkenberg and Daniel Ricciardo.