A late-race collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris has handed George Russell an unlikely victory at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Although Russell has improved in his Mercedes in recent races, starting in fourth spot seemingly led to him having to settle for third at best.
However, in a dramatic conclusion in Spielberg, Verstappen and Norris made contact at the second corner on lap 64 with both cars being left with damage.
The end result was a puncture for Verstappen and Norris having to retire from the race, with the stewards ruling that the former had caused the collision.
Verstappen would ultimately finish in fifth, 37.253 seconds adrift of Russell who was left to celebrate his first victory of 2024 and third top-four finish in succession.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri cut a frustrated figure in second, only 1.906 seconds behind the victor, while Carlos Sainz Jr secured the other podium position, his fifth of the campaign.
"THIS RACE HAS BEEN TURNED ON IT'S HEAD!!!"
— Sky Sports F1 (@SkySportsF1) June 30, 2024
VERSTAPPEN AND NORRIS COLLIDE 😲 pic.twitter.com/eZ7R4dZyUa
What did Russell, Norris have to say?
Speaking on the triumph, Russell felt that his car was closer to rivalling the duo in front than it actually showed, with a 15-second gap being there before the incident up ahead.
The British driver said: "The team have done an amazing job to get us into this fight and you've got to be there to pick it up the pieces and that's where we were.
"I couldn't believe how close were to Max and Lando, it was a possibility, you are always dreaming but as I said you are so proud to be back on the top step. The team have worked so hard, they've made so many strides since the start of the season. The last two races have been incredible so more to come."
Norris, meanwhile, admitted he was frustrated with what occurred seven laps from the finish, placing blame on the shoulders of Verstappen.
He said: "I don't know what to say, I'm disappointed. Nothing more than that honestly.
"It was a good race, I looked forward to a fair and strong battle, I wouldn't say that wasn't what it was at the end, so a tough one to take. It was a mistake free race from my side, I did a good job."
They couldn't take their eyes off the screen 😄#F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/impXTfMm6V
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 30, 2024
What does it mean for the standings?
Verstappen has effectively strengthened his position in the standings and now holds an 81-point lead on Norris with one fewer race on the calendar.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc remains as he was in third after only finishing in 11th, Sainz Jr closing the gap to third to just 15 points.
Piastri is now within six points of fifth-placed Sergio Perez, who only claimed seventh spot on Sunday, while Russell is still seventh in the standings but 26 points clear of teammate Lewis Hamilton, despite the seven-time world champion's fourth position.
Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg was a credible sixth, with the Haas driver now 12th in the table.
Darren Plant
