Lando Norris held off teammate Oscar Piastri in a tense battle at the Red Bull Ring, while championship leader Max Verstappen suffered a disastrous early exit after a first-lap collision.

Norris Bounces Back, Verstappen’s Title Hopes Hit

Starting from pole, Norris was under immediate pressure from Piastri, who overtook Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the opening lap to move into second. The McLaren duo engaged in wheel-to-wheel racing early on, but Norris maintained composure and pace, ultimately crossing the line 2.7 seconds ahead of Piastri to claim his third victory of the season.

The result narrows Piastri’s lead in the drivers’ championship to just 15 points after 11 rounds, breathing new life into Norris’s title ambitions.

The race’s pivotal moment came at Turn 3 on the opening lap, when Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli collided with Verstappen, sending both cars out of the race and dealing a major blow to Verstappen’s hopes of defending his title at Red Bull’s home circuit. The Dutchman’s retirement marked a rare setback in an otherwise strong season.

Ferrari and Rookies Shine, Mercedes Struggles

Behind the McLarens, Charles Leclerc secured third place for Ferrari, with teammate Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth—matching his best result since joining the Italian team. George Russell brought his Mercedes home in a distant fifth, as the team struggled with overheating issues throughout the hot Spielberg afternoon.

Further down the order, Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson impressed with a strong sixth-place finish, while Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto scored his first career F1 points in eighth after a spirited drive and late-race battle with Fernando Alonso. Nico Hulkenberg also delivered for Sauber, climbing from the back of the grid to finish ninth. Esteban Ocon rounded out the top ten for Haas.

Carlos Sainz’s race ended before it began, as a brake fire on the grid forced Williams to withdraw his car before the lights went out.

Title Race Tightens

Norris’s victory not only marks a personal redemption after disappointment in Canada but also sets up a tantalizing championship fight heading into the British Grand Prix. With Verstappen’s setback and McLaren’s momentum, the 2025 Formula 1 season is shaping up for a dramatic second half.