The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix delivered a thrilling spectacle filled with unexpected twists and turns. George Russell took a surprise victory after Max Verstappen and Lando Norris collided while battling for the lead. This dramatic turn of events created clear winners and losers. Let’s dive into the highlights and analyze the impact on the drivers and teams involved.
WINNER: GEORGE RUSSELL
George Russell emerged as the biggest winner, securing a surprise victory that had Mercedes fans cheering. “We shouldn’t laugh,” chuckled Russell in the cool-down room, but let’s be honest, George, you deserved that moment of joy. This win wasn’t just luck; Russell had his illustrious Mercedes teammate, the Ferraris, and the second Red Bull covered, doing everything right when it mattered.
LOSER: MAX VERSTAPPEN
For Max Verstappen, the Austrian Grand Prix was a bitter pill to swallow. Leading most of the race, his collision with Norris left him with a fifth-place finish, which, by his standards, is practically a disaster. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner might highlight the points gained, but for a driver used to winning, fifth place feels like a loss, especially after such dominance.
LOSER: LANDO NORRIS
Lando Norris, who had been on the brink of a career-defining win, ended up retiring a broken car in the pits. The collision with Verstappen not only took away a potential victory but also left Norris with nothing to show for his efforts. McLaren’s resurgence felt real for a moment, but this incident was a harsh reminder of the sport’s unpredictability.
WINNER: MERCEDES
Mercedes as a team came out of the Austrian Grand Prix with renewed confidence. Russell’s win and the respectable performance of their car hint at a brighter future. The team must be feeling optimistic about 2025, with their car getting better and their new lead driver proving his worth.
LOSER: FERRARI
Ferrari had a scrappy weekend, with Charles Leclerc facing several issues mostly out of his control. The team, which once saw itself as Red Bull’s main rival, found itself lagging. Classic Ferrari radio messages offering false hope didn’t help either. They were the fourth-best team in Austria, which is far from good enough for a team with championship aspirations.
WINNER: HAAS
Haas had a stellar performance, scoring as many points in this one race as they did in the whole of 2023. Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg both delivered impressive drives, with Hulkenberg’s defense against Sergio Perez being a highlight. Haas capitalized on the chaos and proved their doubters wrong.
LOSER: OSCAR PIASTRI
Oscar Piastri and McLaren had a legitimate gripe about his Saturday qualifying track limits penalty. This evolving rule cost Piastri dearly, as he missed out on what could have been a significant result. The what-ifs of this situation are many, but Piastri’s lost opportunity was a definite low point.
LOSER: LEWIS HAMILTON
Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, which on paper looks decent, but in reality, it was far from satisfying. Elevated by the Verstappen/Norris clash, Hamilton still finished significantly behind his teammate Russell. Add a five-second penalty and the need for team principal Toto Wolff’s intervention, and it was clear Hamilton had a muted day despite the relative improvement.
WINNER: DANIEL RICCIARDO
Daniel Ricciardo had a solid race, demonstrating that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. His strategy and execution, especially holding off Pierre Gasly, were commendable. While not vintage Ricciardo, it was a step in the right direction, showing signs of a potential sustained run of form.
LOSER: SERGIO PEREZ
Sergio Perez once again failed to capitalize on Verstappen’s misfortune. Damaged early in the race, Perez lacked pace throughout the weekend, raising questions about his performance. Whether it’s the car or the driver, Perez’s struggles are becoming a recurring theme that Red Bull can’t ignore.
LOSER: FERNANDO ALONSO
Fernando Alonso had a weekend to forget, compounded by a penalty for colliding with Zhou Guanyu. Aston Martin’s performance wasn’t up to scratch, and Alonso’s mistake was uncharacteristic. Despite setting the fastest lap, the overall result was a disappointment for the team and the driver.
WINNER: F1 2024
The Austrian Grand Prix proved that F1 2024 is far from predictable. The collision between Verstappen and Norris might not be great for them, but it’s fantastic for the sport. It showcased the unpredictability and excitement that fans crave, ensuring that every race remains a must-watch event.
Frequently Asked Questions
George Russell won the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris collided while fighting for the lead, resulting in both drivers missing out on the podium.
Mercedes had a strong performance with George Russell winning the race and Lewis Hamilton finishing fourth.
Haas scored important points, Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg both scored points, showing the improvement of the team.
Fernando Alonso collided with Zhou Guanyu and received a 10-second penalty, which affected his race.
Conclusion
The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix has been an emotional rollercoaster, with a surprise victory for George Russell and a dramatic collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. While some drivers took advantage of the confusion, others had to think about what might have happened. The race highlighted the unpredictability and excitement of Formula 1, proving once again why it remains one of the most exciting sports in the world. Stay tuned for more events as the season progresses!
