June 9, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Mercedes driver George Russell (GBR) leads McLaren driver Lando Norris (GBR) during the Canadian Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports George Russell was presented with an opportunity at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday, and he took advantage of it to take his second career victory in Spielberg, Austria.
The 26-year-old Briton was the beneficiary of a collision between leaders Max Verstappen and Lando Norris on lap 64 of 71. Verstappen had an eight-second lead at the halfway point, but Norris was able to more than halve the gap on lap 59 after a slow pit stop by Verstappen.
Five laps later, the two were battling for the lead when Norris and Verstappen made contact as Norris attempted to pass Verstappen. Neither driver was injured, but Norris’ car suffered a right-rear puncture, and Verstappen’s left-rear tyre was damaged.
The incident allowed Russell to move up from third to first.
Norris was forced to end the race. Race stewards found Verstappen at fault and he was penalized 10 seconds, finishing in fifth place.
Russell now has the last two victories for Mercedes, the previous one coming in Brazil in 2022.
Russell completed the course in one hour and 24 minutes. McLaren’s Australian Oscar Piastri was second, 1.9 seconds behind Russell, while Ferrari’s Spaniard Carlos Sainz was third.
Verstappen has seven wins this season for Red Bull Racing.
–Field level media
