Date: June 29, 2025
In a nail-biting climax to the Red Bull Ring, Lando Norris produced a driving masterclass to clinch the title of champion of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix 2025 while fending off the pressure of his McLaren teammate and championship leader Oscar Piastri. The race included a dramatic opening lap crash that eliminated Max Verstappen and, as a result, kept fans on the edge of their seats as McLaren put together a sensational one-two finish. Here’s how the action packed Austrian GP 2025 unfolded with astonishing moments that changed the Formula 1 2025 championship picture.
F1 Austrian Grand Prix 2025 A Chaotic Start at the Red Bull Ring
The Austrian Grand Prix 2025 picked up in dramatic fashion. Lando Norris, from a brilliant position on the grid, was able to enter Turn 1 in the lead in spite of the blistering temperatures around Spielberg. Oscar Piastri was able to take advantage of the start as well, moving into P2 by overtaking Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari.
At the back of the grid, things got chaotic when Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli locked up on the brakes into Turn 3 and plunged into the back of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. The collision ended both of their races and brought out a Safety Car, adding chaos and uncertainty to the championship. Verstappen was visibly frustrated in the pit lane after the collision, lamenting his lost chance at his team’s home race.
Meanwhile, still at the back of the grid, Williams driver Carlos Sainz had further misfortune as he failed to get off the grid after his car stalled. As the mechanics tried to start the car in the pits, flames began shooting from the car and into the pit box. With the race in the balance, the retirements of Verstappen, Antonelli, and Sainz opened up an uncertain race over the next 70 laps.
Norris vs Piastri: A McLaren Masterpiece
With Verstappen out of contention, the focus switched to the McLaren competition. Norris and Piastri threw themselves into a captivating tussle, taking turns round the track and making daring overtakes that highlighted their talent and desire. At one point on lap 11, Piastri had briefly taken the lead in a very risky overtaking move, only for Norris to reclaim it with the use of DRS into Turn 4.
Piastri nearly made contact with Norris in the same corner when he locked up, preventing an incident as they had in Canada just weeks earlier. McLaren whirred with team radio warnings, as the team told Piastri he must refrain from overtaking Norris in an overly ambitious way, which was hard for both drivers to navigate.
On lap 24, pit stop strategies were crucial, and Piastri had a longer pit stop that cost him over three seconds, which left him without the right send off into the race as Norris was already five seconds clear of him. At a certain point Piastri made up time on Norris, having the gap under 1.3 seconds with just a few laps to go, but stuck in clean air and tire management mode, Norris never wavered and took his third win of the Formula 1 2025 season. Piastri finished just 2.695 seconds behind him, ensuring McLaren’s second one-two of the year.
Ferrari and Mercedes: Stories both mixed
Ferrari had what must feel like a half-decent day, with Charles Leclerc finishing third and holding back Lewis Hamilton, his teammate in fourth place. The Italians took advantage of Verstappen and Antonelli’s absence, both to bolster their Constructors’ Championship effort. George Russell got fifth for Mercedes, but there was a clear difference to the McLaren in terms of pace.
Liam Lawson, down the order for Racing Bulls, finished sixth; consolidating good qualifying. Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto will look back with joy on his first F1 points in eighth, having held off some spirited driving from Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Sadly though for Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda it was a day to forget in finishing last due to the 10 seconds penalty he took for the bust-up with Alpine’s Franco Colapinto.
Championship Implications
Norris’ win cut Piastri’s championship lead from 22 points to 15, and helped energize the race for the F1 2025 drivers’ championship. Verstappen now trails Piastri by 61 points or 46 points behind Norris. A tall order to defend his championship. McLaren’s one-two finish increased their lead in the Constructors Championship while also decreasing Ferrari’s disadvantage to Red Bull.
Overall, the Austrian GP 2025 will be remembered for the drama and the resurgence of McLaren. The Formula 1 2025 season is now on the rise, and it shouldn’t be lost on anyone that the battle for the championship is heating up with two drivers from McLaren and whether Verstappen can recover from this costly race. Stay tuned for more news and updates on F1 as the championship battle moves on to Silverstone.