Russell wins Austrian GP after Verstappen, Norris debacle

Mercedes driver George Russell claimed victory at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday after being the beneficiary of a late debacle between Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris.

The result was Russell's second career Grand Prix win. His maiden victory came at the 2022 Sao Paolo GP.

McLaren's Oscar Piastri finished second, while Ferrari's Carlos Sainz rounded out the podium in third.

Verstappen spent most of the late portions of the race fending off Norris until the pair made contact on Lap 64. Norris' car was retired due to the damage, with Verstappen dropping to fifth place on the grid. The Red Bull driver received a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which didn't affect his final position.

Norris said he believes Verstappen "ruined" the race for both drivers and that the collision occurred because the points leader wasn't following the rules.

"I don't know what to say. Disappointed," Norris said. "Tough one to take."

Norris added that he lost respect for Verstappen.

However, the Red Bull driver said he'll speak with his opponent about the incident.

"Everyone can have their own opinion, but I am the one driving," Verstappen said. "It is what it is."

The race featured multiple infractions throughout its 71 laps. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Kick Sauber's Zhou Guanyu. Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton and Williams' Alex Albon were given five-second penalties for crossing the white line entering the pit lane. Red Bull's Sergio Perez also got penalized five seconds for speeding in the pit lane.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had a tough race, finishing out of the points in 11th position after damaging his front wing in the race's early stages. Leclerc made three pit stops through the first 34 laps of the race.

Verstappen (237) sits 81 points ahead of Norris (156) in the drivers' standings, with Leclerc (150) in third position.