)
Max Verstappen showcased his prowess in challenging wet conditions as he secured a commanding triumph in the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix.
The reigning world champion recovered from a brief setback to seize the lead from teammate Sergio Perez, ultimately cruising to another well-deserved victory.
In the opening lap, Perez made a bold move to snatch the lead from Verstappen at the first corner, but the Dutch driver found himself forced onto the grass by his teammate.
Undeterred, Verstappen executed a skillful maneuver at Turn Four, solidifying his position at the front and swiftly extending his advantage over the chasing pack.
)
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari trailed Perez, securing a commendable second-place finish, while Lance Stroll of Aston Martin crossed the line in fourth, leading his teammate Fernando Alonso.
The race featured intense battles throughout the field, with the track transitioning from wet to dry conditions.
Verstappen, expressing his dissatisfaction with Perez's actions, conveyed his annoyance to the team, deeming the move out of Turn One as "really not OK."
However, after discussing the incident, Verstappen emphasized that the matter had been resolved.
"You don't have to make this a big story,” he said, adding; “It happened, we talked about it. You don't have to write a whole article about it. Or maybe you can, for the clicks."
)
Perez, on the other hand, claimed he was unaware that Verstappen was partially alongside him and emphasized that he adjusted his line to provide more space once he realized it.
Meanwhile, Nico Hulkenberg of Haas capitalized on the intense battle between the Red Bull drivers on the first lap, initially securing second place before eventually finishing in sixth position.
Esteban Ocon of Alpine defended his position with deteriorating intermediate tires, narrowly fending off a charging George Russell in the Mercedes, who recovered impressively after starting from the back of the field to secure the final point in eighth place.
While Lewis Hamilton switched to slick tires in an attempt to recover lost ground, he could only manage a tenth-place finish.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)