Austrian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc on podium, Max Verstappen’s roll continues
Charles Leclerc was able to rely on his Ferrari's performance throughout the race (Photo © All right reserved)
The Monegasque driver was on the podium for the second time this season on Sunday afternoon in Austria, finishing second behind Max Verstappen.
The race: Max Verstappen to the power of 7
With his seventh victory in nine races, the two-time reigning world champion once again outran his rivals to help Red Bull win its ninth race in as many Grand Prix.
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Even on a track that was ideal for the Ferraris, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) only lent Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) the lead for a few laps, before taking it back and pulling away from the Monegasque driver.
Starting back in P15, Sergio Perez (Red Bull) pulled off quite a feat, making his way up through the field to finish in third place. That place seemed to be reserved for Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), who was the fastest driver on the track behind Verstappen and ahead of Leclerc for a long time, but he finally gave way to the Mexican.
Fourth over the line, the Spaniard received a penalty after the race and finally placed sixth. It was Lando Norris (McLaren) who took advantage of the situation to move into fourth place, ahead of Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin).
The quote: “We’re all determined to try to win”
Charles Leclerc: “When you finally see a bit more potential to fight at the front, it feels good. Of course, as far as the championship is concerned, I think it will be difficult to come back and win it. But there’s still a lot to work on.
Wrapping up a solid weekend for the team 👊 thanks for everyone’s support! 🙏 #AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/pmhbTSD0iP
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) July 2, 2023
I can see how motivated the team is and how hard they’re working in the factory to make improvements quickly, which gives me the confidence and motivation to work every time I’m out on the track. We’re all determined to try to come back and win as soon as possible.”
The standings : Leclerc and Ferrari much improved
Thanks to his second place, Charles Leclerc (72 points) moved up to sixth place in the world championship, level with George Russell (72 points) and just ten points behind his team-mate Carlos Sainz (82 points).
Max Verstappen (229 points) is now well ahead, with an 81-point lead over Sergio Perez (148 points). Fernando Alonso is third (131 points). The next event is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone next weekend (July 9).