Three things we learned from the Austrian F1 Grand Prix / Photo: Joe Klamar - AFP
Three things we learned from the Austrian F1 Grand Prix
Just when it seemed the drivers' championship might become a one-horse race, Kimi Antonelli proved he is as human as anyone else and his main, vastly more experienced, rivals showed signs of a sustained response.
The 19-year-old Italian's demonstration of precocity and over-enthusiasm on the opening lap of Sunday's closely-fought Austrian Grand Prix confirmed his natural talent for speed and car control, but also an innocent vulnerability to errors.
It made sure, too, that his Mercedes team-mate George Russell had a clear opportunity to convert a cool-headed pole position into an equally cold-blooded drive to a second win in Austria and the seventh of his career.
AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from Sunday's tight and strategic tussle in the heatwave of the Styrian Alps.
Russell refocussed on title bid
Two consecutive pole positions and a morale-boosting win in a 'heatwave hazard' race may not yet have restored Russell's confidence entirely, but the swagger with which he triumphed at the Red Bull Ring showed he is well on the way.
Having had his nose pushed out of shape by the sheer elan and impudence of his teenage team-mate's romp to the head of the drivers' title race, the 28-year-old Briton needed to refocus.
Bad luck did not help –- he had plenty of that in China, Japan and Canada before the pit-lane speeding farce in Monaco -– as he recentred himself and shook off self-doubts with help from his team.
"I needed a lot of resilience to be able to get back and to deliver strong performances," he said. "To get the last two poles, to win here especially on a track which I don't think is suited to me -– it makes me really proud.
"The tough races definitely test you psychologically."
As a result, Russell will go into this week's British Grand Prix as a home favourite knowing another good result can trim Antonelli's 40-point lead again -- with more than half of the season to come –- as Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren close in to intensify the competition.
Red Bull shine on home turf
Max Verstappen had five Spielberg wins to his name before Red Bull arrived with an upgrade package that transformed from a good also-ran into a contender to win -– a resurgence that suggested he can play a leading role as the title race unfolds.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who was a strong winner two weeks earlier at Barcelona, said he and team-mate Charles Leclerc could not equal the pace of Mercedes or Red Bull on Sunday as they finished fifth and eighth respectively.
"They made a huge step," said Hamilton, whose fighting finish confirmed he remains a force among the front-runners. He estimated Red Bull's upgrade was worth at least three-tenths after losing nine kilos in weight from the car.
"It was the first time I actually felt like I could fight for the win," said four-time champion Verstappen, having finished a close second narrowly ahead of Antonelli. "It's been a long road to be here in the top three with a shot at it."
Having been linked with a switch to McLaren, or an abrupt retirement, unless he had a potential race-winning car, this was a comment that suggested Verstappen will stay put.
Silverstone thriller
Given the resurgences of Hamilton, Russell and Verstappen this month, the irresistible appeal of Antonelli's pure zest for speed, and champions McLaren's need to defend their titles on home ground, the British Grand Prix looks set to be a thriller.
In addition to Verstappen's podium, Red Bull saw Isack Hadjar finish a strong sixth in Austria behind Hamilton, but ahead of world champion Lando Norris of McLaren, whose team-mate Oscar Piastri was fourth.
Weather and reliability permitting, a close battle between the top four teams and all eight drivers is in prospect on Sunday, while the substantially-funded strugglers Aston Martin, whose headquarters are close by, and American newcomers Cadillac seek some respect after another forlorn effort.
G.Lombardi--MJ
