It’s a victory in character. After five disappointing GPs where he did not even finish on the podium, Charles Leclerc won on the Red Bull Ring circuit this Sunday, ahead of Max Verstappen, who started from pole position after his victory in the sprint race, and Lewis Hamilton. Despite pedal problems at the end of the race, the Monegasque signed his third victory of the season and grabbed a few points in the general classification.
“It was a very good race, the pace was there. We had a problem with the accelerator, but I was able to manage it until the end. Strangely, it happened at the same time as the Sainz incident. I really needed this race, and we showed that we had the pace”, analyzed the Ferrari driver at the end of the race.
“We suffered with the tires,” said Verstappen. But it’s still a second place. The Dutchman, however, expressed regret. “It’s just a shame for the fans, I couldn’t offer them a victory,” he insisted on the tide of his supporters and those of Red Bull who came to watch the race on the Austrian circuit of Spielberg, owned by the giant of sodas Red Bull and the eponymous team.
On the French side, Esteban Ocon finished fifth and recovered eight points in the World Championship standings, while Pierre Gasly, hampered by penalties, finished in 15th place.