F1 2025 - Austrian GP: Another McLaren 1-2 With Lando Norris Dominating Proceedings

After a disappointing DNF at the Canadian GP, Lando Norris completed his redemption arc at the Austrian GP. The British driver fended off relentless pressure from teammate Oscar Piastri in a captivating duel during the first stint of the race, which ultimately sealed the race result. Norris’s brilliant victory has slashed Piastri's championship advantage to a mere 15 points heading into Norris's home race at Silverstone.

The papaya orange McLarens were in a league of their own, leaving the rest of the field scrambling for scraps. Norris, starting from pole, had to dig deep into his racing arsenal to stay ahead of his hungry Australian teammate, who was determined to extend his championship lead.

The drama began on the opening lap as crowd favourite Max Verstappen was bumped out of the race in just a couple of corners. Rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes overshot his braking marker and smashed into the Dutchman.

Despite several heart-stopping moments, including a sublime move on lap 11 where Piastri briefly was smartly allowed by Norris to avail DRS on the cutback, the British driver showcased why he's considered one of the sport's brightest talents.

Charles Leclerc could only watch from a distant third place as Ferrari struggled to match the pace. Lewis Hamilton secured a solid fourth, while his former teammate George Russell endured a disappointing afternoon, finishing over 30 seconds behind Hamilton in fifth.

The midfield battle provided its own excitement, with Liam Lawson producing a stellar drive to sixth for Racing Bulls. The highlight for neutral fans was watching veteran Fernando Alonso engaging in a captivating master-versus-apprentice duel with rookie sensation Gabriel Bortoleto. The Sauber newcomer claimed his maiden Formula 1 points in eighth, a moment that will live long in his memory.

In a nail-biting finale, Norris held his nerve brilliantly, using backmarkers as shields to keep his teammate at bay and secure a victory that breathes new life into the championship battle. With the gap now at just 15 points, this McLaren civil war is far from over.

The battle for the driver's championship just got all the more exciting now with Lando closing the gap to Piastri. Despite a non-scoring weekend after ages, Verstappen is still sitting third and can catch up to the McLaren duo. Russell is right on Verstappen’s heel with the Ferrari pair immediately after.

The next race in Silverstone will take place next week from July 4-6. The McLaren remains the favourite heading into the race. However, inclement and uncertain weather can clearly cause some major upsets, as has been the tradition at the circuit.