Two-time world champion Verstappen started from pole position on the wet track and took first place only in the opening corners, when Pérez got in front of him for a while. But the Dutch pilot quickly took the lead back and won with a commanding lead of 21 seconds.
Pérez still had to fight for second place, because in addition to Verstappen, Hülkenberg also got ahead of him at the start of the race. In the twelfth lap, however, the Mexican rider managed to overtake the German veteran.
The 35-year-old Hülkenberg then had to go to the drying track for new tires, which deprived him of the chance of a first place on the podium. In the end, Sainz got to him for the first time since last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen extended his lead in the world championship standings with the win and has a 70-point lead over Pérez. In Sunday’s main race, the Dutch pilot will aim for his seventh victory in the ninth Grand Prix of the year. He was second in the remaining two.
Austrian Grand Prix, Formula 1 World Championship race in Spielberg:Sprint:1. Verstappen (Netherlands/Red Bull) 30:26.7302. Perez (Mex./Red Bull) -21.0483. Sainz (Spain/Ferrari) -23.0884. Stroll (Can./Aston Martin) -29.7035. Alonso (Spain/Aston Martin) -30.1096. Hülkenberg (Germany/Haas) -31,297. World standings: 1. Verstappen 2032. Pérez 1333. Alonso 1214. Hamilton (Brit./Mercedes) 1025. Sainz 746. Russell (Brit./Mercedes) 66 Constructors’ Cup:1. Red Bull 3362. Mercedes 1683. Aston Martin 1634. Ferrari 1285. Alpine 466. McLaren7. Haas 118. Alfa Romeo 99. Williams 710. Alhpa Tauri 2
2023-07-02 06:31:41
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