July 02, (THEWILL) – Max Verstappen delivered a dominant performance at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, on Sunday, clinching his fourth Austrian Grand Prix victory.
The Dutch driver extended his lead in the F1 Drivers’ Championship to a commanding 70 points, now reaching 81 points ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez. Verstappen’s remarkable race was marked by his ability to navigate through intense battles, including a thrilling ten-lap scrap with Carlos Sainz.
The complaints about each other’s tactics aside, Verstappen managed to overtake Sainz and maintain his lead to the finish line. The Red Bull driver, who is the reigning world champion, was in his elements as he briefly took the lead when he capitalised on a pit stop by his closest competitor, Perez. However, Verstappen’s commanding performance ensured that even after going been behind, he quickly regained his position at the front and held it till the end.
Holding a substantial lead of over 23 seconds from Charles Leclerc, Verstappen even had the luxury of switching to soft tires for the final two laps, securing the fastest lap of the race and earning a maximum of 26 points. The car’s exceptional performance, seemingly suited to any condition, played a significant role in Verstappen’s success. With this victory, he now boasts an impressive 42 career wins, half of which he achieved in the last 14 months.
The British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend will mark the tenth round of the season, and Verstappen’s dominant performance thus far makes him a strong favorite for a third consecutive world title.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
