Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in fifth place, while Lando Norris was forced to retire from the race after the collision between them. George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Carlos Sainz were seen in images laughing together after the incident (Via: Imago, X/Ben Thomas, screenshot).
The 2024 Austrian GP provided fans with an exciting race that will be remembered for years. The intense battle at the front of the pack increased the excitement in the final stages of the race. However, the battle ended abruptly when Verstappen and Norris collided. As a result, the podium finishers, Russell, Piastri, and Sainz, inherited their positions on the grid.
Norris showed his untapped potential after his victory in Miami. The British driver emerged as the main contender to challenge Verstappen. This became evident in Austria, as Verstappen’s slow pit stop allowed Norris to close in on him. In an attempt to secure a home victory, Verstappen resorted to a risky defensive maneuver, which ultimately led to the collision.
On the other hand, George Russell emerged as the race winner, with Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz securing second and third place, respectively.
Russell, Piastri, and Sainz were seen laughing together in the cooling room, amused by the collision between Norris and Verstappen. #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/ZY7p31JBin
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When the trio had the chance to witness the incident, they found humor in the clumsy accident. Russell described it as an exciting battle, while Piastri ironically commented that it was the reason for Russell’s victory.
The collision left both drivers frustrated with each other. However, commentators and officials agreed that it was not a typical racing incident. The incident was promptly investigated, and a decision was made in the following laps.
The FIA wasted no time in addressing the collision between Verstappen and Norris.
🇦🇹 | Max received a 10-second time penalty and 2 penalty points for causing a collision with Lando Norris. #maxverstappen CREDIT/IMAGE SRC: [fiadocsbot] pic.twitter.com/9tElXgUANe
The reigning champion suffered a puncture, which ended his chances of a podium finish. However, his questionable defensive maneuver did not go unnoticed, and the FIA deemed him guilty. As a result, Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty.
Despite the penalty, the 26-year-old driver finished 16 seconds ahead of the car in sixth place. This penalty had no impact on his championship lead. On the other hand, Norris did not finish the 71-lap event.
