Austrian Grand Prix 2024: George Russell pulls out shocking win for Mercedes, Verstappen & Norris fails to get podium

The Austrian Grand Prix delivered an electrifying finish as George Russell claimed his first victory of the season in a dramatic turn of events. On lap 71 of 71, Russell crossed the finish line, securing a stunning win for Mercedes. This marks the team's first victory of the ongoing season and makes Russell the fourth driver to win a Grand Prix this year, following Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc.

The race reached its climax just six laps before the finish when Verstappen and Norris, who were running in first and second place respectively, collided at turn 3. Both drivers sustained punctures from the incident.

Verstappen, who had been leading comfortably, and Norris, who was in a strong position to challenge for the win, were forced to limp back to the pits. This collision significantly altered the race dynamics, with Norris ultimately retiring from the race and Verstappen dropping down to fifth place.

George Russell wins his second Grand Prix

Capitalizing on the chaos, George Russell found himself in the lead. The Mercedes driver maintained his composure and speed, navigating the final laps flawlessly to take the checkered flag. This victory is not only a testament to Russell's skill and determination but also a crucial morale boost for the Mercedes team, which has struggled to find its footing this season.

Oscar Piastri delivered an impressive performance to secure second place, showcasing McLaren's continued resurgence. Carlos Sainz completed the podium, bringing Ferrari some much-needed points with a solid third-place finish. Lewis Hamilton, also driving for Mercedes, claimed fourth place, contributing valuable points to the team's tally.

Verstappen's fifth-place finish, despite the setback, helped minimize the damage to his championship lead. However, the incident at turn 3 will likely be a talking point as it significantly impacted the race's outcome and the standings.

Here are the finals standings for the Austrian Grand Prix: