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Papaya rules the Austrian Grand Prix
The Austrian Grand Prix is now in the books for this year, and the Red Bull Ring gave us plenty of excitement along its three DRS zones. Any contact they had in Canada was a non-issue for the two McLarens, whose on-track battles were a focal point of the race. Lando Norris took the victory, while Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc completed the podium.
We are guaranteed to be racing in Spielberg for the next 15 years, but let's focus on the present for now. Here is the full breakdown of everything that happened at the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix.
Pre-Race
Despite a lack of grid-altering penalties, things were not smooth sailing prior to lights out. Carlos Sainz’s car got stuck in first gear on the formation lap, and the stewards called for an aborted start. He got the car going and made his way to the pit for a pit lane start; however, just as he pulled into position, the brakes burst into flame and he was forced to retire.
Race start
If the formation lock was dramatic the race start was a whole Broadway production. Norris got a good launch and Piastri was able to squeeze past Leclerc to have an attempt at his teammate into Turn 3. The biggest plot twist, however, happened behind them as Kimi Antonelli locked up and rammed into the back of Max Verstappen, taking them both out of the race and triggering a safety car on lap 1.
Race
Cars were back to racing on lap 3, and the two McLarens took off far ahead of the field. It was clear that Canada had no effect on on-track dynamics as the two were free to race. They stayed close, however Norris maintained the lead throughout the beginning of the race. Laps 10 and 11 gave us incredible papaya scrapping, as the two went side by side and back and forth several times.
Another driver having an excellent start to his race was Gabriel Bortoleto. After getting into Q3 for the first time in his F1 career, he climbed his way through the crowd to put pressure on even George Russell at one point.
Meanwhile, misfortune continued for Williams as Alex Albon retired on lap 17, seemingly due to another mechanical failure.
Red Bull likewise was not having the best of times, as Yuki Tsunoda came into contact with the Alpine of Franco Colapinto on Lap 31. Colapinto got away with a spin through the gravel, while Tsunoda had to go into the pit for a nose change and was then slammed with a 10-second penalty for causing a collision (which he later served during a late pit stop).
Back up at the front, Norris carved out a five-second gap ahead of Piastri, looking great on track. But about halfway through the race, Piastri fired back up, as the tire delta he had from taking a slightly later pit stop–a preference he himself voiced–seemed to be helping.
Traffic, however, gave both drivers trouble. Colapinto and Tsunoda were back in the picture as Piastri came out of his second pit stop. All three drivers nearly came into contact, with Colapinto forcing Piastri onto the grass, an incident that he later received a five-second time penalty for. This also put Piastri on the back foot once again as he continued his pursuit of Norris
Behind them, Ferrari was fighting their own demons. Despite a new floor and a solid pace in Qualifying, the team found themselves well behind the McLarens on track. Communication problems were a theme once again for Lewis Hamilton, who repeatedly told his engineer that his tires were in good condition, despite the team calling him in for fresh rubber. The pit stop sealed a P4 position for him, behind his teammate.
Checkered flag
The last 10 laps were a nailbiter, as Piastri closed the gap to Norris, who was told that he had minor front wing damage. But in the end, Norris persevered, getting his first win ever in Austria. With another 1-2 finish, McLaren continued to assert their dominance over the rest of the field.
Leclerc secured another podium finish for himself with a P3, while Hamilton came in a frustrated P4. Russell rounded out the top five.
Sauber walked away extremely happy, with their first double-points finish. Nico Hulkenberg in P9 and Bortoleto getting his best result yet with a spectacular all weekend that led to a P8. The performance earned the 2024 F2 champion the Driver of the Day vote and many cheers from his team.
Post-race
Kimi Antonelli has received a 3-place grid drop for Silverstone after causing a collision with Max Verstappen on the first lap of the Grand Prix. He was also given two penalty points.
Colapinto also received one penalty point for forcing Piastri off-track.
Austrian Grand Prix Results
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