2024 AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX RACE DAY REPORT
Overview:
The Austrian Grand Prix was a thrilling race that saw a surprising turn of events with Mercedes' George Russell securing an unexpected victory. The race took a dramatic turn when Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lando Norris (McLaren) collided while fighting for the lead, causing Verstappen to drop down the order and Norris to retire from the race.
Starting from pole position, Verstappen led the race for most of the time. However, the race took an exhilarating turn when he engaged in a fierce and intense battle with Norris after their final pit stops on Lap 52.
Red Bull encountered a rare slow pit stop due to an issue with the left rear wheel, allowing Norris to close the gap to under two seconds. Norris made multiple attempts to overtake Verstappen, and on Lap 64, the two collided, resulting in punctures for both drivers. This allowed Russell, who was third, to take the lead and claim his second F1 victory.
While this race was disappointing for Norris and McLaren, as well as Oscar Piastri (McLaren) orginial start position being pushed from P3 to P7 after a penalty, he did manage to finish in second, securing points for himself and his team. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz finished off the podium finishing in third. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) came fourth, and Verstappen came fifth despite a 10-second penalty for the incident with Norris. This race result may have significant implications for the 2024 championship's outcome, as it could potentially shift the balance of power in the ongoing battle between McLaren and Red Bull.
Haas drivers Hulkenberg and Magnussen had a strong performance, finishing sixth and eighth, with Sergio Perez (Red Bull) between them. Daniel Ricciardo scored points for VCARB, and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) rounded out the top 10. It was an eventful day for Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), who recovered from an early incident to finish 11th.
The Sauber team is still waiting for their first points of 2024, with Valtteri Bottas and Zhou finishing 16th and 17th. Despite a strong performance from Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), who set the fastest lap, he struggled with pace and also received a penalty, finishing 18th.
Norris ultimately retired after the damage from the collision with Verstappen, ending his promising day on a sour note and his point-earning streak for the 2024 season.
Race Report:
After an eventful Saturday at the Red Bull Ring, which saw Verstappen triumph in both the F1 Sprint and the Grand Prix qualifying, the focus turned to Sunday's main race. There was a slight change to the grid, as Zhou Guanyu (Sauber) was confirmed to start from the pit lane due to set-up adjustments on his Kick Sauber after qualifying, though he was already set to line up at the back.
The windy conditions posed some challenges, with Russell locking up on his way to the grid, which led to a check on his steering. All opted for medium tyres except for Zhou in the pit lane, who chose the hard compound.
Verstappen made a strong start from pole to lead, while Russell chased Norris for second, with Hamilton moving up to fourth. However, there was early trouble for Leclerc, who suffered front wing damage after contact with Piastri, forcing him to go in for his first of many pit stops and drop to the back 19th.
The battle between the Mercedes drivers was also entertaining. Hamilton briefly passed Russell before the latter retook the position using DRS. Further back, Sainz regained fourth from Hamilton, while Piastri also moved ahead of Perez. The first pit stops began on Lap 10, with Magnussen and Ricciardo being the first to switch to the hard tyre.
At the front, Verstappen had extended his lead to over five seconds from Norris as the race reached Lap 14, but Leclerc was struggling near the back, losing a position to Alex Albon (Williams).
As many teams considered a three-stop strategy, Leclerc's difficult day continued as he pitted for medium tyres and dropped to the back of the field again after gaining back some valuble positions, now potentially facing being lapped by Verstappen.
Norris was told the hard tyres were not performing well by his engeneers, though he had two sets of mediums available, which could be an advantage over Red Bull. The stewards were busy, issuing a 10-second penalty to Alonso for an incident with Zhou and a 5-second penalty to Hamilton for crossing the pit entry line.
Verstappen pitted on Lap 24, followed by Norris, leaving Piastri briefly in the lead before he also pitted. The stewards then investigated Verstappen for an unsafe pit release. Perez received a 5-second penalty for speeding in the pits, and the Haas drivers worked together to hold off a train of cars behind them.
The Alpine teammates, Ocon and Gasly, battled for position, with Ocon ultimately prevailing. The stewards cleared Verstappen's earlier pit lane incident, and he extended his lead to 8 seconds over Norris.
However, on Lap 40, Verstappen reported his tyres were not performing as he had hoped, while Norris set the fastest lap (1'08.016). Battles continued throughout the field, as Russell pitting for hard tyres. On Lap 52, both Verstappen and Norris pitted for medium tyres.
Verstappen's pit stop was slightly slow due to a stubborn left-rear wheelnut, however, he still emerged ahead of Norris, though the gap had narrowed to under two seconds.
Norris used DRS to close in on Verstappen, setting up a thrilling battle for the lead in the final 16 laps. After an unsuccessful attempt to pass Verstappen in Turn 3, Norris told his team that Verstappen saw his attack and changed his line twice to illegally defend. Norris was shown a black-and-white flag for track limit violations as he continued to chase Verstappen down.
Norris tried a late move on Lap 59 in Turn 3 and briefly took the lead but had to let Verstappen back through after running off the track. This led to a track limits investigation for Norris, but the fight didn't stop there.
Two laps later, the tables turned as Verstappen had to run off the track in another duel for the lead. However, the tensions between the two drivers boiled over on Lap 64, resulting in a collision that left both with punctures and forced them to pit.
While Russell took the lead and Piastri moved into second, Norris remained in the pits and ultimately retired due to the damage. Verstappen returned to the track but had dropped to fifth, and a Virtual Safety Car was called. Meanwhile, the stewards determined that Verstappen was at fault for the collision with Norris and issued him a 10-second penalty.
Piastri made a valiant effort to catch Russell at the front but ultimately fell short. The Mercedes driver secured his second Formula 1 victory. Piastri's McLaren finished just 1.906 seconds behind Russell, with Sainz taking the final podium spot for Ferrari ahead of Hamilton in fourth.
Despite a 10-second penalty, Verstappen held onto fifth place, ahead of Hulkenberg in sixth. Perez added to Red Bull's points haul with seventh, while Magnussen scored points for Haas in eighth. Ricciardo and Gasly rounded out the top ten.
Leclerc missed out on points, finishing in 11th after his four pit stops. Ocon claimed 12th after his earlier tussle with his teammate, and Lance Stroll was the top Aston Martin driver, finishing in 13th. Yuki Tsunoda (VCARB) and Albon took 14th and 15th, followed by the Sauber duo of Bottas and Zhou.
Alonso, who set the races fastest lap (1'07.694s), but finished in 18th, and Logan Sargeant (Williams) was the final driver to cross the finish line in 19th.
Norris was the sole retirement due to his unfortunate collision with Verstappen, marking his first DNF of the season.
The next stop on the 2024 F1 calendar will be the British Grand Prix, with the teams heading straight to Silverstone for the third race of this triple-header.
2024 AUSTRIAN SPRINT QUALIFYING RESULTS AND RACE PREDICTIONS
Verstappen starts on pole:
Max Verstappen (Red Bull) starts in the pole position at Red Bull Racing home race on Saturday for the Austrian GP Sprint Race. Verstappen (1'04.686s) will start ahead of both McLaren drivers Lando Norris (1'04.779s) and Oscar Piastri (1'04.987s) in P2 and P3 respectively, after an exciting Friday qualifying session.
Key moments from SQ1?
Verstappen set the quickest time at 1'05.690s on the mandated medium tyres. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) lost his opening lap time when he had big wobbles at Turn 1 and 6, which resulted in him exceeding track limits. He had to run again and made it through despite another scrappy lap.
Unexpectedly, Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) suffered a huge spin at Turn 9. His car miraculously escaped damage, but his lap time took a hit (1'06.557s).
Knocked out in SQ1: Daniel Ricciardo (AlphaTauri), Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), Valtteri Bottas (Sauber), Alex Albon (Williams) and Zhou Guanyu (Sauber).
Key moments from SQ2?
Verstappen set the fastest time at 1'05.186s, a mere 0.139s ahead of George Russell (Mercedes), intensifying the competition.
Knocked out in SQ2: Kevin Magnussen (Haas), both Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso, Tsunoda and Logan Sargeant (Williams).
Results and key moments from SQ3?
Teams elected for just one run on the mandatory soft tyres, making it a frantic dash in the battle for pole as they all left the pits with under 3 minutes remaining.
Hamilton started by setting the new fastest lap at 1'05.270s after running wide at Turn 3, which Russell, Piastri, Norris, and Verstappen beat. Verstappen took pole with the fastest lap time of 1'04.686s.
Norris, who was 0.093s off pole, will start second alongside teammate Piastri, Russell (P4), Ferrari's Carlos Sainz (P5), Hamilton (P6), Red Bulls Sergio Perez (P7) in his team home race, and Alpines drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who will take P8 and P9, respectively.
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) didn't make the pitlane time after his car faltered on his out lap, so he will start P10.
These sessions set the grid for Saturday's sprint race, building anticipation for Sunday's Grand Prix, for which the starting grid will be determined in a qualifying session after the sprint race on Saturday afternoon.
My predictions for the Sprint Race Podium: Verstappen P1, Norris P2 and Seinz P3.
My predictions for the Austrian GP's two starting lines: Verstappen P1, Norris P2, Russell P3, and Leclerc P4.
My predictions for the Austrian GP Podium: Norris P1, Verstappen P2, and Russell P3.
BEST SPRINT QUALIFIERS in FORMULA 1
Who are the best sprint qualifiers on the 2024 grid?
What is a Sprint Race?
Sprint races, a relatively new concept in Formula 1, have been making waves since their introduction at the 2021 British Grand Prix four years ago. Unlike traditional races, the finishing order of Sprint races does not impact the starting grid for Sunday's Grand Prix. The full-length race proceeds as usual, with the grid determined by the Qualifying session on Saturday afternoon after the Sprint Race.
The Sprint Race is held on Saturday and is a condensed version of the Grand Prix. It offers fans an extra dose of overtaking action and serves as a perfect introduction to racing for newcomers.
As the name suggests, Sprint Qualifying is a unique and intense experience. The entire race covers a distance of 100km (~17 laps), roughly one-third of the standard Grand Prix distance, and lasts only around 30 minutes. What sets it apart is the lack of mandatory pit stops, making it a straightforward run to the finish line. It's a battle of pure speed and overtaking prowess, with the first to pass the Chequered Flag emerging victorious. This format eliminates the need for complex strategy matters, allowing the focus to remain on the thrill of the race.
So, how does Sprint Qualifying work? Decides the starting grid for the Saturday Sprint Race; it's a condensed version of the standard Qualifying format, consisting of three segments: SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3. Each segment lasts for 12, 10, and eight minutes, respectively, with seven-minute breaks in between. With less time for each of SQ1, SQ2, and SQ3, teams typically only have time for a single run in each, putting pressure on drivers to get their fast laps right the first time. With no time for multiple runs or tyre changes, fresh rubber is mandatory for each segment. Teams must use Medium tyres for SQ1 and SQ2 and Softs for SQ3.
Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in the Sprint Race, and these points carry significant weight. They count towards the main Drivers' and Constructors' World Championship standings, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition to the Formula 1 season.
Position Points Awarded
First 8
Second 7
Third 6
Fourth 5
Fifth 4
Sixth 3
Seventh 2
Eighth 1
If we look back on the 2023 season, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is the most successful current Formula 1 driver in sprint qualifying races. His dominance is evident in the numbers, as he currently holds the record of nine sprint race wins so far in his career (June 28, 2024), a staggering achievement. He has consistently dominated these events, winning four out of the six sprint races held in 2023 and securing podiums for all six.
It's not just about Max Verstappen, the 2023 sprint races also saw other drivers and teams making their mark. Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) each clinched a sprint race win, showcasing the strength of the Red Bull and McLaren teams. Lando Norris (McLaren) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) also had their moments, frequently finishing on the podium in these shorter races.
Let's take a closer look at Max Verstappen's Sprint Race Performances in 2023 as he secured podiums at all six and pole positions at four.
Race Position Points
Azerbaijan 3 6
Austrian 1 8
Belgian 1 8
Qatar 2 7
US Austin 1 8
Brazilian 1 8
Verstappen's impressive performances in Sprint Races secured him an additional 45 points towards his 2023 Drivers' World Championship and Red Bulls Constructors' Championship wins. His consistency has shown that his awareness of tyre degradation, steadfastness for strategic overtakes, and ability to build a gap in the middle sectors of the track are pivotal.
Sergio Perez:
Perez clinched his sprint race win in Azerbaijan, the first Sprint Race of 2023, by adopting a strategy that focused on maintaining a close gap to the front runners and capitalising on other divers and teams' mistakes. His ability to manage tyre degradation and aggressive overtaking manoeuvres were crucial in clinching P1. Perez's experience and tactical skills helped him execute the plan effectively, ensuring he could defend his position towards the race's end. Perez also secured podiums at the Austrian GP in P2, receiving 7 points, and at the Brazilian GP with a P3 and a further 6 points added to his tally.
Oscar Piastri:
Piastri's victory in the Qatar sprint race resulted from a well-executed strategy that involved taking advantage of the sprint format's shorter distance. By pushing hard from the start and maintaining a high pace throughout, Piastri managed to stay ahead of more experienced drivers, including Verstappen and his teammate Norris. His team's setup for optimal performance on the medium tyres and his clean, error-free driving were instrumental in his win. He also secured another sprint podium at the Belgian GP with a P2 finish to secure 7 more points for himself and McLaren.
Lando Norris:
Norris joins his teammate Piastri in securing two sprint race podiums in 2023, P3 in the Qatar GP (6 points), capitalising on his solid qualifying position, engaging in tight battles and finishing near the top, demonstrating his competitiveness on the sprint race format. And P2 at the Brazilian GP (7 points), where Norris showcased strong racecraft, finishing the sprint race in a commendable position, contributing to his overall strong performance in the season.
Charles Leclerc:
Like Norris and Piastri, Leclerc also earned himself two Sprint Race podiums in 2023, P2 in the Azerbaijan GP and P3 in the US Austin GP, and, like Norris above, a total of 13 points in Sprint Races.
Key Strategies in Sprint Races
Aggressive Starts: Given the shorter distance of sprint races, drivers like Verstappen and Perez often adopt aggressive starts to gain positions early and defend their leads.
Tire Management: Effective tire management is crucial. Verstappen, for instance, excels in maintaining tyre performance over the sprint race distance, allowing him to push harder towards the end.
Car Setup: Teams focus on optimising car setups for short bursts of performance rather than long-term endurance. This involves fine-tuning aerodynamics and power unit settings for peak performance over the sprint distance.
Overall, the 2023 season highlighted the importance of strategic depth and the ability to execute plans flawlessly under the unique conditions of sprint races. Verstappen led the way through his consistent performance and tactical excellence.
AUSTRIAN GP: MOST CONTROVERSIAL MOMENTS
The Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring (formerly the Österreichring and A1-Ring), has seen many memorable and controversial moments over the years. Here are some of my favourite Austrian GP moments:
1975: Vittorio Brambilla's Shock Win
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 17th, is remembered for both a surprising victory by Vittorio Brambilla and the tragic events surrounding the race.
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 17th, was a rollercoaster of a race. Niki Lauda (Ferrari), the home favourite, secured pole position, continuing his dominant form of the season. Vittorio Brambilla, driving for March, qualified in eighth position. The race was marked by heavy rain, which created treacherous conditions on the track and added an element of unpredictability to the event.
Niki Lauda initially led the race, but mechanical issues forced him to retire, leaving the race open for others to contend. The wet conditions caused several drivers to struggle, with many spinning out or retiring due to the challenging circumstances. Vittorio Brambilla skilfully navigated the wet track, taking advantage of other drivers' retirements and mistakes. His ability to handle the adverse conditions allowed him to move up the field.
Brambilla took the lead and maintained it until the race was red-flagged due to worsening weather conditions. Brambilla famously lost control of his car as he crossed the finish line, crashing into the barriers. This incident occurred as he waved to the crowd in celebration, slightly damaging the front of his car. This victory was Brambilla's first and only Formula 1 win, making it a memorable and unexpected triumph.
However, the weekend is marked with tragedy, as during the warm-up session on August 15th, American driver Mark Donohue suffered a catastrophic crash due to a tyre failure; the car went off the track and crashed through a catch fence, hitting a billboard structure. Initially, Donohue appeared to have escaped major injuries, but he later succumbed to a cerebral haemorrhage caused by the accident on August 19th, two days after the race. The crash also resulted in the death of a track marshal who was struck by debris from Donohue's car. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by trackside personnel during races.
The 1975 Austrian GP events emphasised the need for improved safety measures in Formula 1, both for drivers and marshals. Donohue's accident contributed to ongoing discussions about track safety and the structural integrity of barriers.
Vittorio Brambilla's win is often remembered as one of the most surprising and dramatic victories in Formula 1 history. The image of Brambilla crashing as he celebrated his win became iconic, symbolising the unpredictable nature of motorsport.
The 1975 Austrian Grand Prix stands out in Formula 1 history for its dramatic mix of triumph and tragedy, highlighting the sport's unpredictable and often dangerous nature.
1982: Elio de Angelis vs. Keke Rosberg
The 1982 Austrian Grand Prix, held on August 15th at the Österreichring, is remembered for its dramatic and closely contested finish between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg.
Driving for Brabham, Nelson Piquet secured pole position, continuing his strong form in qualifying sessions. Nelson Piquet started from pole but was soon challenged by Alain Prost in the Renault. The early part of the race saw intense battles, with multiple lead changes and retirements due to mechanical failures and incidents.
Lotus driver Elio de Angelis started the race from seventh position. De Angelis steadily moved up the field, capitalising on the retirements and issues faced by the leading cars.
Keke Rosberg (Williams) also had a strong race, moving through the field from his starting position of sixth. Rosberg closed in on de Angelis as the race progressed, setting up a dramatic battle for the lead.
In the final laps, de Angelis and Rosberg were locked in a close fight for victory. Rosberg was consistently pressuring de Angelis, looking for an opportunity to overtake. The duel reached its climax on the last lap, with Rosberg attempting several moves to get past de Angelis.
Elio de Angelis held off Rosberg's advances, using precise defensive driving to maintain his position. The two cars crossed the finish line side by side, with de Angelis narrowly taking the win by just 0.05 seconds. This margin of victory is one of the closest in Formula 1 history.
This win was Elio de Angelis's first career victory in Formula 1. Despite narrowly missing out on the win, Rosberg's drive was impressive and showcased his racing talent. Rosberg's strong performance contributed valuable points towards his championship campaign, which he eventually won later that year.
The 1982 Austrian Grand Prix, with its dramatic conclusion and intense battle between Elio de Angelis and Keke Rosberg, stands out in Formula 1 history. It encapsulates the excitement and unpredictability that defined the 1982 season, making it a significant event in the sport's history.
1987: Nigel Mansell's Charge
The 1987 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Österreichring on August 16th, is particularly remembered for Nigel Mansell's impressive drive from 14th on the grid to victory.
Nigel Mansell, driving for Williams-Honda, faced difficulties during the qualifying sessions due to technical problems, managing only the 14th position on the starting grid. Nelson Piquet, Mansell's teammate at Williams, secured pole position, showcasing the team's overall strong performance potential.
Mansell made an exceptional start, quickly gaining positions in the opening laps through aggressive yet controlled driving. The early part of the race saw several key retirements, including Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, which helped Mansell's charge through the field.
Mansell executed a series of strategic overtakes, skilfully manoeuvring through the field. The car's setup and his driving skills allowed him to make the most of the opportunities presented by the race conditions. The Williams team's efficient pit stop strategy, with quick and well-timed stops, was crucial in Mansell's ascent, showcasing the team's tactical brilliance.
As the race progressed, Mansell continued his charge, eventually finding himself in a position to challenge for the lead. He overtook Nelson Piquet, his teammate, in the later stages of the race to take the lead. Piquet, who had started from pole, was unable to fend off Mansell's relentless pace.
Mansell's determination and skill saw him cross the finish line first, securing a remarkable and unexpected victory from 14th on the grid. His drive was widely praised as one of the best of his career, showcasing his ability to overcome adversity and deliver an outstanding performance.
The win was crucial for Mansell's championship campaign, providing him with vital points and momentum as the season progressed. The victory not only highlighted Mansell's skill but also the unwavering competitiveness of the Williams-Honda team and their ability to recover from setbacks.
Mansell's performance was celebrated by the team and fans alike. His ability to navigate through the field and secure victory was a testament to his skill and the car's capabilities.
Nigel Mansell's win at the 1987 Austrian GP is remembered as one of his finest drives, illustrating his tenacity and racing knowledge.
The 1987 Austrian Grand Prix remains a standout event in Formula 1 history. It showcased Nigel Mansell's exceptional driving skills and the strategic prowess of the Williams team.
1998: McLaren Team Orders Controversy
The 1998 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the A1-Ring on July 26th, is mainly remembered for the controversy involving the McLaren team and its drivers, David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen. The race was marred by a controversial team order that sparked heated debates among fans and commentators.
Häkkinen secured pole position, continuing his strong form in the 1998 season, while Coulthard qualified second, resulting in a McLaren front-row lockout.
At the start, Häkkinen got away cleanly, but Coulthard made an even better start and took the lead from his teammate. During the race, it became evident that Häkkinen, championship leader, was under threat from Michael Schumacher of Ferrari, who was closing the gap in the standings. McLaren, aiming to maximise Häkkinen's championship chances, implemented team orders. On lap 56, Coulthard, who was leading the race, received instructions from the team to let Häkkinen pass. Coulthard visibly slowed down on the main straight, allowing Häkkinen to overtake him and regain the lead. The move was executed in a manner that was apparent to spectators and television viewers. Häkkinen went on to win the race, with Coulthard finishing second and Michael Schumacher taking third place.
The team orders and the way they were executed caused significant controversy and backlash. Fans and commentators criticised McLaren for manipulating the race result in such a blatant manner. Both Häkkinen and Coulthard faced questions about the incident. Coulthard, in particular, was seen as having sacrificed a potential victory under team orders, which led to mixed reactions about team dynamics and fairness in racing. McLaren defended their decision, stating that the team orders were necessary to support Häkkinen's championship bid. At that point in the season, every point was crucial in the closely fought battle against Schumacher and Ferrari.
The points from the Austrian GP helped Häkkinen maintain his lead in the championship. He eventually went on to win the 1998 World Championship, with the Austrian GP playing a role in that outcome.
Due to various incidents like this, the FIA later revised regulations regarding team orders, banning them in 2002. However, they were allowed again in 2011 under strict scrutiny to prevent manipulative practices.
The 1998 Austrian Grand Prix remains a significant example of the complexities and controversies associated with team orders in Formula 1. It highlights the balance teams must strike between individual race wins and broader championship strategies.
2002: Ferrari Team Orders Scandal
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix, held on May 12th at the A1-Ring, is infamously remembered for the controversial team orders issued by Ferrari, which led to a dramatic and unpopular race conclusion.
Ferrari dominated the 2002 season, with Michael Schumacher leading the championship and Rubens Barrichello supporting his efforts. Schumacher had a significant lead in the championship standings, while Barrichello was playing the role of the number two driver within the team. Rubens Barrichello secured pole position, showcasing his strong form throughout the weekend. Qualified in second place, setting up a front-row lockout for Ferrari.
Barrichello maintained his lead from the start and was driving a solid race. Michael Schumacher stayed in second place, unable to catch Barrichello for most of the race. As the race progressed, it became evident that Ferrari was considering team orders to favour Schumacher despite his substantial lead in the championship. With a few laps remaining, Ferrari instructed Barrichello to let Schumacher pass for the win. On the final lap, Barrichello slowed down dramatically just before the finish line, allowing Schumacher to overtake him and win. The obvious move led to immediate backlash from the crowd, commentators, and fans worldwide.
During the podium ceremony, Schumacher attempted to have Barrichello stand on the top step, acknowledging that Barrichello deserved the win. The podium celebrations were awkward, with both drivers looking uncomfortable and the crowd booing.
The FIA fined Ferrari $1 million (USD) for the incident. Ferrari faced a public relations backlash, with many fans and pundits questioning the ethics of their strategy. The controversy did not significantly impact Schumacher's dominance in the 2002 season, as he went on to win the World Championship with ease.
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial races in Formula 1 history, illustrating team dynamics and race strategies' complex and sometimes contentious nature.
2016: Hamilton vs. Rosberg Collision
The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring on July 3rd, is notably remembered for the dramatic last-lap collision between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. This incident was significant in their intense rivalry during the 2016 season.
Heading into the Austrian GP, Nico Rosberg led the championship standings, but Lewis Hamilton was closing in, making every race crucial for both drivers. Lewis Hamilton secured pole position, with Nico Rosberg starting from sixth due to a grid penalty. Despite starting sixth, Rosberg quickly went through the field and soon battled for the lead. Both Mercedes drivers were involved in a strategic battle, including different tyre strategies and pit stops.
By the race's closing stages, Hamilton and Rosberg were running first and second, respectively, with Rosberg in the lead as the final lap began. On the final lap, Hamilton closed in on Rosberg and attempted to overtake him on the outside going into Turn 2. As Hamilton tried to pass, Rosberg took a defensive line but understeered into Hamilton, causing a collision. The contact damaged Rosberg's front wing, while Hamilton managed to stay on track.
Hamilton recovered from the collision and went on to win the race. Despite the damage, Rosberg crossed the finish line but dropped to fourth place due to the incident. Hamilton expressed frustration over the collision but ultimately was pleased to secure the victory. Rosberg defended his actions, suggesting he was within his rights to defend his position, but also faced criticism for the incident.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff was visibly upset, labelling the collision as "brainless" and criticising both drivers for risking the team's result. The FIA investigated the collision and ultimately decided not to penalise either driver, ruling it as a racing incident.
The collision intensified the already heated rivalry between Hamilton and Rosberg. Hamilton's victory reduced Rosberg's lead in the championship, adding further tension to the season. Despite the collision, Nico Rosberg managed to hold on and eventually won the 2016 World Championship by a narrow margin, retiring from the sport at the end of the season.
The 2016 Austrian Grand Prix collision remains a defining moment in the Hamilton-Rosberg rivalry, exemplifying the intensity and drama that characterised their battle for supremacy within the Mercedes team.
2020: Dramatic Season Opener
The 2020 Austrian Grand Prix, held at the Red Bull Ring on July 5th, marked the highly anticipated return of Formula 1 after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was characterised by numerous incidents, retirements, and dramatic moments, making it one of the season's most chaotic and memorable races.
The COVID-19 pandemic postponed and cancelled several races, making the Austrian GP the season opener. Strict health and safety protocols included no spectators, limited team personnel, and social distancing measures.
Valtteri Bottas secured pole position for Mercedes, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton qualifying second. However, Hamilton received a three-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement, promoting Max Verstappen to second on the grid.
Valtteri Bottas maintained the lead at the start while Verstappen and Hamilton followed. Max Verstappen's race ended early due to an electrical issue on lap 11, forcing him to retire. On lap 26, Kevin Magnussen's Haas suffered brake failure, causing him to spin off, bringing out the race's first Safety Car.
Several drivers encountered technical issues and reliability problems, leading to multiple retirements. The retirements included Daniel Ricciardo (Renault), Lance Stroll (Racing Point), and George Russell (Williams), who also retired due to a fuel pressure issue. The second Safety Car was deployed on lap 52 after Romain Grosjean and Kimi Räikkönen retired due to mechanical failures. Räikkönen's front-right wheel detached from his car, leading to the Safety Car intervention.
On the restart following the second Safety Car, Hamilton and Alex Albon (Red Bull) collided while battling for second place. Albon attempted to pass Hamilton around the outside of Turn 4, but contact was made, sending Albon into the gravel. Hamilton received a five-second penalty for causing the collision. A third and final Safety Car period was triggered when Daniil Kvyat's AlphaTauri suffered a puncture, spreading debris on the track.
With Hamilton's penalty, the final laps saw a dramatic fight for the podium positions. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Lando Norris (McLaren) took advantage of Hamilton's penalty and the continuing chaos of the race to gain positions and points for their teams.
Bottas avoided the chaos and secured victory for Mercedes. Leclerc finished second, a remarkable result given Ferrari's struggles throughout the weekend. Norris claimed his first-ever podium finish by crossing the line in fourth but moved up to third after Hamilton's penalty was applied.
A total of nine cars retired from the race due to various mechanical failures and incidents. The high number of retirements raised concerns about the cars' reliability, likely influenced by the extended break and the rushed preparations. Hamilton's penalty was one of the significant moments, influencing the final podium positions.
The 2020 Austrian Grand Prix will be remembered for its chaotic nature, dramatic incidents, and the excitement of racing resuming after the pandemic-induced break.
These moments highlight the Austrian Grand Prix's unpredictable and dramatic nature, making it one of the more exciting tracks in the history in Formula 1. We will see this weekend if the 2024 Austrian GP is added to this list…
2024 Spanish Grand Prix Race Day Report
The 2024 Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya definitely lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling race filled with strategic manoeuvres, intense battles, and (un)surprising outcomes. Let's have a look at race day's key moments and standout performances.
Lando Norris (McLaren) secured pole position in Saturday's qualifying race and led the charge into Turn 1; the faster-starting Max Verstappen (Red Bull) had the inside line; as Norris tactically squeezed Verstappen towards the grass, a bold George Russell (Mercedes) swept around both drivers, taking the lead thanks to a powerful double slipstream from the cars ahead. This was a crucial moment in the race, setting the tone for the intense battle to follow. Verstappen settled into second, with Norris dropping to third. Hamilton (Mercedes) ran fourth, followed by the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren). Sainz passed Leclerc at Turn 1 for fifth after a light brush of wheels that briefly sent Sainz off the track. Verstappen used his DRS to gain a strong run on Russell at the start of lap three, and he battled his way past around the outside of Turn 1 as Russell opted to defend on the inside.
Verstappen extended his lead to 4.5 seconds over Russell before the first round of pit stops. Russell was the first of the top six to pit on lap 16 but suffered a slow right-rear tyre change, re-joining just ahead of Sainz. This allowed Norris to close the gap slightly on Verstappen, who then pitted on lap 18, putting Norris back into the lead.
Hamilton passed Sainz for sixth with a tight move at Turn 1 on lap 19, and Verstappen lost time passing Piastri at Turn 7, who then pitted from fourth. Norris ran even longer, pitting on lap 23 and re-joining in sixth on fresh medium tyres behind Sainz. Leclerc led for a lap before making his first stop, handing the lead back to Verstappen, who was now 5 seconds clear of Russell, Hamilton, Sainz, and Norris. Norris set the fastest lap (1'17.115s) and passed Sainz for fourth on lap 27. Piastri, on a similar strategy, proved that McLaren could pass a Red Bull by DRS-ing past Sergio Perez for ninth. Norris DRS-ed past Hamilton on lap 32, moving up to third, while teammate Piastri made similar progress and moved up to seventh. Norris made a great move on Russell for second at Turn 3, but Russell regained the position around the outside of Turn 4 before Norris overtook at Turn 7. Russell pitted on lap 37 for hard tyres. Verstappen's lead over Norris diminished from over 9 seconds to 4 during this stint, as Hamilton was the next frontrunner to make his second and final stop, switching to soft tyres. Verstappen also opted for softs when he stopped on lap 45, putting Norris into the lead with 21 laps to go.
Norris, displaying his skill and determination, pitted for softs a couple of laps later, coming back in just ahead of Russell in second with an 8 second gap to Verstappen. Norris pushed hard from the start of his final stint, taking 2 seconds out of Verstappen in three laps, forcing the race leader to respond by increasing his pace. The gap plutoed at 5 seconds as the laps ticked down. Despite a final push from Norris to regain his pole position, Verstappen, with his own impressive performance, won by 2 seconds.
Hamilton passed Russell for third on lap 52. Leclerc passed Sainz for fifth with 11 laps remaining but fell short in his pursuit of Russell by 0.3 seconds at the finish. Piastri finished seventh ahead of a three-stopping Perez, who passed Gasly in the final stages, the latter doing well to recover from a slow first stop. Ocon (Alpine) rounded out the point scorers.
Overview of the Winners:
Red Bull: Verstappen Dominates
Max Verstappen continues his impressive form this season with another victory in Spain. Starting from second, Verstappen gained his lead in lap three and expertly managed his pace and tyres throughout the race. Despite pressure from Norris and Russell, Verstappen's flawless performance and Red Bull's strategic team ensured he remained unchallenged, crossing the finish line first and extending his lead in the Drivers' Championship.
McLaren: Norris Pushes for Pole
Lando Norris secured his second career pole position in Saturday's qualifying race and delivered an outstanding performance for McLaren, finishing second after conceding pole in the first lap to George Russell. Norris' race was filled with smart overtakes and strategic pit stops. Norris set the fastest lap (1'17.115s), and earned driver of the day, Norris also remains the only driver in 2024 to have secured points for his team at every race so far. This race pushed Norris into second in the F1 Drivers’ World Championship. McLaren continued their upward trajectory with an outstanding performance at the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix. They has shown significant improvements this season, and their race day efforts at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya highlighted their potential and determination to remain one of the top teams in the Constructor Championship.
Mercedes: Hamilton Back on the Podium, Russell’s Fierce Performance
Lewis Hamilton secured a third-place start and finish for the Spanish GP, putting him back on the podium for the first time since Mexico last year. Hamilton's race was marked by consistent pace and strategic tyre management, allowing him to hold off challenges from behind. Starting in fourth, George Russell had a bold run in the first lap, pushing in front of polesitter Lando Norris as he squeezed Verstappen into the grass and took advantage of the slipstream in Turn 1 to become the race leader. After Verstappens overtake in lap three, Russell had a strong race performance, defending and fighting for his second-place position with Norris. A too-long pit stop may have unravelled Russell's race. Mercedes showed they are back in the fight, but their car still needs further refinement to consistently challenge for podium points.