Lando Norris completed a fairy-tale one-two finish for McLaren with victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday. Oscar Piastri, Norris’s teammate, finished a strong second, showcasing the team’s competitive resurgence in the Formula 1 season. This race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg provided plenty of on-track fighting and tactical action. At the end of the day it was a historic and triumphant day for McLaren.
After all the build-up, the event played out with sunny skies and balmy temperatures, creating a perfect atmosphere for what would be an exciting competition. Norris, who started from pole position, worked hard to defend against Piastri for the majority of the race. Through these races, we didn’t just see a glimpse of McLaren’s extraordinary pace — rather the outcome of meticulous calculations, careful planning, and on-track execution.
Charles Leclerc of Ferrari claimed third place, showcasing his driving prowess and maintaining a consistent pace that kept him in contention for the podium. Lewis Hamilton hung close in pursuit, coming home P4, and Lewis’ rival George Russell completed the top five for Mercedes. Rising star Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls ran a heck of a race, crossing the line in sixth. Close behind him was veteran Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, who took seventh. Gabriel Bortoleto completed the top eight.
Yet from the start of the race, Norris showed the huge qualifying advantage he had as he shot out to a massive lead. Close behind, Piastri wasn’t far behind, racing nose to tail with his more experienced teammate and pressuring him at multiple points throughout the race. This impressive, harmonized driver-to-driver choreography was the foundation of McLaren’s track-wide domination.
“Next level racing, super close racing, but that’s what we’re all here for,” commented Andrea Sella, Team Principal of McLaren. The legendary driver thanked the two men for their skills in executing the fierce competition while keeping the racing safe.
During the race, team radio messages underscored the precarious line McLaren wanted to walk with their two drivers. Our Oscar, not on our DRS, they underscored. This reading sealed their message’s fate by spotlighting their tactical tone.
Perhaps Piastri’s biggest missed opportunity on GPs so far was not mounting a stronger challenge to Norris. Sella lauded their efforts, declaring, “The pace between Lando and Oscar was almost identical. Oscar just had a few more opportunities and we’re very happy with this race today. I’m very happy for Oscar to apologise for that move at turn four.”
Norris acknowledged the challenges he faced during the race but expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “It was a tough race – tricky, hot, tiring – but the best result possible, a one-two, so I’m very happy.”
Leclerc’s performance was commendable, as he fought to secure his podium position despite pressure from Hamilton behind him. Hamilton’s fourth-place finish was just a continuation of Mercedes’ difficulties to stay competitive against McLaren and Ferrari.
“I feel super sorry for the team and for Max, because he was just a passenger,” noted Kimi Antonelli, referring to Verstappen’s earlier crash that ultimately impacted the race dynamics. Verstappen’s tragedy created opportunities for other contestants to regain benefits on his non-appearance.
Lawson’s sixth-place finish was a huge feat for Racing Bulls. Even more so, they’re establishing a name for themselves among the league. Meanwhile, Alonso’s seventh-place finish reinforces his status as one of F1’s seasoned drivers.
In addition to the excitement on track, this race showcased the evolving landscape of Formula 1, with teams like McLaren returning to competitiveness. Add in the impressive performances of new stars like Piastri and Lawson, and you have a sport on the cusp of great things.