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Formula 1

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?

Here’s a deep dive into what transpired during the Max vs Lando collision and the events that followed.

Published

12 months ago

on

Drama ensued in the Austrian GP as the Championship leaders — Verstappen and Norris collided during the final laps of the Austrian Grand Prix. Here’s a deep dive into what transpired in the collision and the following events.

Read the full Austrian GP review here.

Sprint Race

The Sprint Race on Saturday, although brief, also provided exciting action between Verstappen and Norris. As the lights went out, Verstappen had a great start. On the other hand, Norris didn’t do too badly either as he managed to retain his starting position. He was also under pressure from his teammate, Piastri got away brilliantly as the lights went out.

Norris followed Verstappen brilliantly and kept the gap within 1 second to use the DRS. But it wasn’t until Lap 5 that Norris made a move against Verstappen. He braked late in Turn 3 to claim the lead of the race. But the joy didn’t last long as Norris locked up deep into Turn 4 and conceded the lead to Verstappen once again. Piastri who was very quick to react and overtook Norris to claim second place behind Verstappen.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
The Mclarens chasing Verstappen

Verstappen kept his lead for the remaining laps and finished ahead of the two Mclarens of Piastri and Norris, respectively to clinch the Sprint Race victory.

For the race on Sunday, Verstappen snatched the Pole Position as Norris qualified right behind him at P2. Close battles throughout the weekend meant that a tough fight for the win was very much on the cards.

Race Day

The lights went out for the 11th time this season as cars went racing again in the streets of Austria. Both Verstappen and Norris were on similar strategies. The Red Bull driver had a splendid start. He quickly made up ground against Norris and kept him out of the DRS zone. Meanwhile, Norris had to defend from the fast approaching Mercedes of George Russell. Norris did well and held his ground at P2.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
Race Start

By the time 1st series of pit stops came, the gap between the top two cars was around 7 seconds. Both, Verstappen and Norris pitted on the same lap for the same tyres and a clean pit stop for both meant that the gap remained same. Incidentally, Verstappen was under investigation by the stewards as he made an unsafe release on Norris but there wasn’t any action taken.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
Unsafe release by Verstappen

Max complained repeatedly on the radio about the lack of grip on the Hard tyres but the margin didn’t change drastically and the Dutchman led comfortably. Things spiced up on Lap 52 as the 2nd series of pit stops came because Verstappen had a disastrous pit stop with his car being stationary for 6.5 seconds. Another clean pit stop for Norris meant that the gap was now under a couple of seconds.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
Slow pit stop for Red BUll

A lockup on the out-lap at Turn 4 added to Verstappen’s worries. Norris quickly cleared the backmarkers and by Lap 54, he was within the 1-second gap to gain the advantage of DRS. On Lap 55, when Lando tried for a move at Turn 3, he was blocked off by the Red Bull. Norris came on the radio and accused the Dutch driver of moving repeatedly in the braking zone.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
Norris complaining on the radio

The Briton followed Verstappen closely by using the DRS for the next few laps but regrettably for him he was shown a black and white flag for track limits violation. This meant that another violation would see him suffer a 5-second time penalty.

On Lap 59, Norris made a move down the inside of Verstappen at Turn 3 but locked up and went slightly off the track. Max retained the lead and called out Norris on the radio for the same. Whereas, Norris again accused Verstappen of moving dangerously in the braking zone.

After another few laps of close racing, on Lap 64, Norris again made a move at Turn 3, trying to go around the outside of Verstappen but touched the back of his car which caused a left rear puncture for Verstappen and a right rear puncture for Norris. But the damage to the Mclaren was more than just a puncture.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
THE CRASH

Norris somehow managed to drag his car back to the pits where he had to retire. Meanwhile, Verstappen pitted for a new set of Softs and joined the race at P5. Even though, Verstappen was hit with a 10 second time penalty there was no change in his final position as he retained P5.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?
Damage to Verstappen and Norris

Post-Race

Disappointed after the race, Norris said,

“I don’t know what I’m meant to say. I did all I could, I gave a fair, respectful, on-the-edge battle, but that’s not what I got in return.”

Reflecting upon the incident, the defending Champion said,

“I think it’s just better to look back at the footage of what exactly went wrong, because it was a bit of, I would say, an awkward angle that we touched, something that was very weird. Also for both of us that we had a puncture with it, it was really bad.”

Both Norris and Verstappen are known to have a really good relationship and camaraderie off the track as the latter has often claimed Norris to be his best mate among the drivers.

Austrian GP: Last 20 Laps of Chaos, What Happened?

Norris, when asked about what his equation will be with Verstappen, remarked,

“If he says he did nothing wrong then, I’ll lose a lot of respect for that and if he admits to being a bit stupid and running into me, then I’d have a small amount of respect.”

With Mclaren looking more and more stronger, the championship race for Constructors as well as Drivers intensifies. Norris and Mclaren would look to bounce back at their home race in Silverstone next week and give another tough fight to Red Bull.

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Formula 1

Formula 1 Returns To Red Bull Ring: Weekend Preview

After a short break Formula 1 is back in action, this time heading to the famed Red Bull Ring for the Austrian GP.

Published

4 days ago

on

June 27, 2025

By

F1 during their visit to Red bull Ring in Austria in 2024
Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

As Formula 1 roars into the Styrian hills, the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix promises another action-packed weekend at the Red Bull Ring. Known for its short, high-speed layout and dramatic elevation changes, this classic Spielberg circuit has delivered thrilling battles in recent years. With championship stakes tightening, this year’s edition is set to be no different. From intense midfield rivalries to the fight at the front, all eyes are on how teams will tackle the high altitude challenge and whether any surprise contenders can shake up the grid ahead of Sunday’s race.

About The Track

Formula 1 Returns To Red Bull Ring: Weekend Preview

(Credit – f1.com)

The Red Bull Ring is a high-altitude, low-downforce circuit that places a premium on power unit output, braking performance, and traction. With only 10 corners and 3 long straights, it’s one of the most throttle-sensitive tracks on the calendar. Key overtaking zones come at Turns 1, 3, and 4, each preceded by a DRS zone and requiring strong stability under heavy braking. Elevation changes, particularly into Turns 1 and 3 (uphill) and Turn 4 (downhill), challenge both brake balance and weight transfer. The flowy middle sector tests aerodynamic efficiency, while the high-speed Turns 9 and 10 demand precise turn-in and rear-end grip. ERS deployment, tire temperatures, and traffic management are crucial on this short but intense lap.

Pirelli’s Specifications


Pirelli has selected the C3, C4 and C5 compounds for this race, as opposed to the C4, C5, and C6 compounds used at Canada.

Stories This Weekend

F1 Movie Release

The long-awaited F1 movie starring Brad Pitt and produced by Lewis Hamilton was finally released on the 27th of June. With mostly positive reviews, it seems to be worth a watch.



McLaren Look To Find Stability

After both the McLaren’s collided the last time around in Montreal, Lando Norris enters Austria with a disadvantage, being 20 points behind teammate Oscar Piastri. Lando will look to hit the ground running here, as his teammate will want to cement his WDC lead.



Max Verstappen Runs With Simon Rennie

This weekend, Max Verstappen’s adaptability will be put to the test. His race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, will be absent for this race weekend due to personal reasons. Simon Rennie is given the position for this weekend, an opportunity to race engineer the 4-time World Champion.

Formula 1 Returns To Red Bull Ring: Weekend Preview
SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – JUNE 27: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing arrives in the Paddock prior to practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Austria at Red Bull Ring on June 27, 2025 in Spielberg, Austria. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Antonelli Completes Schooling

Rookie Kimi Antonelli finished his schooling by passing his final exams in the 2 weeks off. This means that he can finally shift his full focus to racing and can also take part in post-race celebrations.



F1 Driver Dinner

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali took the F1 Grid out for dinner ahead of the Austrian GP.



Weekend Schedule



Weather Forecast

Friday: 26°C, Wind 9 km/h, 55% chance of rain
Saturday: 29°C, Wind 9 km/h, 5% chance of rain
Sunday: 31°C, Wind 7 km/h, 1% chance of rain.

Temperatures are notably higher than usual for this weekend.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

George Russell Takes The Flag At Canada, McLarens Collide, Antonelli On The Podium: Formula 1 in Montreal

Published

1 week ago

on

June 22, 2025

By

George Russell celebrates after winning the Canadian Grand Prix
Credits: Lat Images

George Russell had a perfect weekend in Canada, scoring the pole position on Saturday and converting it into a win on Sunday. The joy was doubled for Mercedes as Kimi Antonelli scored his first podium, coming home in P3 and helping Mercedes get a double podium in Canada. The same can not be said for championship leaders McLaren, as the day everyone in the team feared arrived, Lando Norris made contact with Oscar Piastri, resulting in a DNF for Norris.

Read The Race Preview Here: Formula 1 Heads To Canada: What To Expect

Mercedes Score Big

George Russell and Kimi Antonelli have had a dream race day in Canada, after Antonelli’s rut over the triple header where he did not score a single point, the 18-year-old rookie qualified P4 and overtook WDC Leader Oscar Piastri to take his first ever F1 Podium.

His teammate also kept his cool, after taking pole on Saturday and starting alongside Max Verstappen, George Russell had a challenge set up for him on Sunday. Early pressure from the Dutchman was applied, but Russell kept his marbles together. There was another late effort by Max, but ultimately, the Brit managed to take his first win in his 2025 campaign. Mercedes scored a very respectable double podium.

George Russell Takes The Flag At Canada, McLarens Collide, Antonelli On The Podium: Formula 1 in Montreal
George Russell and Kimi Antonelli celebrate a double podium for Mercedes after the Canadian Grand Prix. Credit: Sonntag, Jiri Krenek

Title Rivals Collide

It was a sub-par qualifying for both the McLarens, with Oscar Piastri lining up P3, and Lando Norris lining up a disappointing P7. A new challenge awaited the pair on Sunday, with both Mercedes and Max being competitive enough, moving forward would not be as easy as it seemed.

Oscar was overtaken by Antonelli, dropping him to P4, and a recovering Lando Norris lined up P5, putting pressure on his teammate in the final 10 laps, on Lap 67, Lando got close to the rear wheel of his teammate and went for a gap on the inside wall of the Start-Finish straight, this move resulted in a DNF for Lando, losing him some very valuable points, and thankfully no harm was caused to his teammate, who was able to bring the car home in P4.

Verstappen Keeps His Nose Clean

Max Verstappen is just 1 penalty point away from a race ban, and in this race he almost got the final point when he was controversially brake-checked by George Russell under a late race Safety Car, a move that was protested after the race by Red Bull. But thankfully for Max, the FIA were understanding of the situation and decided not to take any action.

George Russell Takes The Flag At Canada, McLarens Collide, Antonelli On The Podium: Formula 1 in Montreal
MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 15: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing on the podium with his trophy during the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 15, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Sam Bloxham/LAT Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool

Leclerc Debates Ferrari

Charles Leclerc had an underwhelming Qualifying, facing a challenge on Sunday. He, along with Lando, started on the hard compound tires. Notably, mid-race, when Leclerc was asked if he wanted to extend for a One-Stopper or come in for a Two-Stopper, Leclerc opted for the 1-Stop Strategy. A call that was later disregarded by his team, who brought him into the pits anyway for a tire change. It was a puzzling call from Ferrari, trying to secure an already guaranteed P6 position.

Lewis Hamilton, on the other side of the garage, ran a disadvantageous race. After running over a hedgehog early on in the race, damage was done to the floor, which lost him 30 points of downforce, reportedly worth 0.5s a lap; he did the best he could to score decent points.

Other Notable Performances

Fernando Alonso scored points for the second time this season, showing that the upgrades on his Aston Martin are effective. This is his second race in a row where he has scored points, finishing a notable P7 after an impressive Qualifying.

Nico Hulkenberg also utilises the upgrades on his car to propel himself to the top 10, and Sauber off the bottom of the WCC. Alpine are now last in the Constructors Championship, disappointing considering the start they had to the season.

The one-stop strategy rewarded both Esteban Ocon and Carlos Sainz, who finished P9 and P10, scoring a few points for the team, and solidifying their position in the Midfield.

Race Results



Standings

Next Race In Austria

Formula 1 has a 2-week break until their next outing at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, and the pressure is building on Lando Norris to bring home the results. Mercedes might be becoming a real contender now after their performances in Canada. A clean race by Verstappen, but he is still nearing a race ban due to the penalty points.

These are some of the considerations for the next outing on the 29th of June.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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Formula 1

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Published

3 weeks ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

Formula 1
Credits: Red Bull Content Pool

The Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix that took place on June 1 2025, wrapped up the second triple header of the 75th edition of Formula 1. Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya held the last Spanish Grand Prix, as the event is set to relocate to Madrid from 2026.

As two of the three triple headers of this season end, with the McLaren duo separated by 10 points and Max Verstappen breathing down their necks, let’s review how each of the 3-week long racing action has affected the championship battle.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Max, Lando and Oscar [Left to Right] at the Japanese GP 2025

Japan-Bahrain-Saudi Arabia

The opening triple header of the season delivered some great racing action. Max Verstappen proved to the world that he is never out of the championship fight, with his dominant pole-to-victory performance, despite McLaren having the car advantage. The Flying Dutchman marked his 4th consecutive win at Suzuka while the Papaya duo completed the podium. Hadjar gained his first points in Formula 1 in P8.

Oscar Piastri stood at the top step of the podium at Bahrain for his 50th Formula 1 race, delivering McLaren’s first ever win at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The young Australian started at pole and led every lap, showcasing his talent, while his teammate and championship rival, Lando Norris, finished P3 despite his 5-second penalty for a false start. Multiple technical failures and a pit signal fault resulted in Max finishing P6, costing him several championship points. The Dutch wasn’t the only one suffering from technical issues, as George Russell’s Mercedes faced multiple troubles, despite which he finished P2 fending off Norris.

Another weekend, another win for Piastri. This one is even more special as it led to him becoming the first Australian to lead the championship since Mark Webber, his manager, in 2010. Even though Verstappen received a 5-second penalty during the race, he finished P2. Ferrari seemed to finally get back into their rhythm as Charles Leclerc garnered the Italian team’s first podium of the year with a solid P3. Williams’ double points finish marked their surge among the midfield, pushing them up to 5th in the championship.

The triple header ended with Oscar Piastri leading the championship, 7 points ahead of teammate Lando Norris, who himself was just 5 points ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen. With the top 5 separated by only 30 points, the fight for the championship was on.

Imola-Monaco-Spain

The second and the most recent triple header had all three title contenders win each race. Max Verstappen overtook pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on the first lap to secure his 4th win here, while Lando and Oscar completed the podium. Franco Colapinto, who replaced rookie Jack Doohan from this race onwards, started and finished at P16, delivering a lukewarm debut performance.

At Monaco, Lando Norris secured his first win at the Principality, fending off homeboy Charles Leclerc in P2. Oscar stayed in P3, as most of the grid finished exactly where they qualified, apart from Fernando Alonso, claiming to be “the unluckiest driver”, who retired from P6 due to an engine failure.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

Lando after his win at the Monaco GP (Credits: Formula 1)

The latest race, the Spanish Grand Prix, delivered equal parts of racing and drama. All was well till lap 60 when the safety car came out. RedBull pitted Max for a fourth time and sent him out with brand new hard tires, which, due to not warming up properly for the restart, led him to lose a position to Leclerc. Another incident with Russell resulted in Verstappen’s engineer Gianpiero Lambiase requesting him to let the Briton through. Initially refusing, on lap 64, Max appeared to let Russell go past him, but swerved into him on turn 5, causing a collision.

This unnecessary action and RedBull pit wall’s questionable decisions resulted in Verstappen being handed a 10-second penalty and 3 penalty points, which critically impacted his championship battle. Nico Hulkenberg in his Sauber, overtook 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari on the penultimate lap, securing a P5 finish. Fernando Alonso also ended his pointless run, garnering 2 points at his home grand prix. The McLaren duo clinched a 1-2 finish, avoiding all the drama behind them.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

The second triple header ends with Ferrari shooting up two places to reach P2 in the Constructors’ Championship Standings, although McLaren leads with a comfortable 197 points.

The Drivers’ Championship is very close, with Norris only 10 points behind the leader Piastri. Max, however, due to his 10-second penalty, lags by 49 points, staying at P3.

FORMULA 1 TRIPLE HEADER REVIEW: CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE SO FAR

The next and final triple header consists of the last three races of this season: Las Vegas-Qatar-Abu Dhabi. As the championship stands, it’s fair to speculate that the battle could go on till the final triple header. As we lie in wait till the next race weekend in Canada, let’s enjoy the on and off-track drama unfolding in front of our eyes.

Will Oscar Piastri be the first Australian World Champion since Alan Jones in 1980, or will teammate Lando Norris be successful in retaking the lead of the championship? Never count Max Verstappen out, as he also has the chance to defend his title. Any mid-season upgrades could bring George Russell or Charles Leclerc to the fight as well. The prestigious 75th anniversary of Formula 1 is definitely providing some great battles, which unfortunately can only be won by one.

Desi Racing Co. is dedicated to bringing the latest updates and insights from the world of motorsport. Whether it’s Formula 1, Formula 2, WEC, MotoGP, Indian motorsports, or other racing series, we’ve got you covered! Stay connected with us for in-depth motorsport coverage. Follow us on Twitter/X/, Instagram, and LinkedIn to keep up with the latest motorsport news and updates.

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