close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US
George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, 2024, Social

LAP ONE: Mercedes nightmare amid dramatic aborted start

George Russell, Lewis Hamilton, 2024, Social — Photo: © IMAGO

LAP ONE: Mercedes nightmare amid dramatic aborted start

First lap report from the sprint race

Max Verstappen led from pole with both McLaren drivers battling hard behind on the opening lap of the Austrian Grand Prix Sprint.

The first attempt to begin the sprint led to an aborted start, meaning cars completed an extra formation lap, which lead to a one lap reduced race count.

F1 HEADLINES: Horner blasted in bitter feud as FIA declare last minute CHANGE for Austrian GP

READ MORE: Verstappen tells fans to 'shut the f*** up' over major annoyance in red flag admissions

It has been suggested that photographers behind the turn one barriers posed a risk which caused the extended procedure.

When the race did get underway, Mercedes did not have the ideal start with Carlos Sainz jumping George Russell and Lewis Hamilton remaining in P6.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both led early on
Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both led early on

READ MORE: Austrian Grand Prix 2024 Sprint Race - Hamilton's 'disastrous' weekend continues

Battle for the lead in opening laps

Though Verstappen retained his lead, he was made to work for it and briefly lost P1 when Norris lunged down the inside at turn three.

The Dutchman looked like he would have to settle into second place, but then gave Norris a taste of his own medicine with a good move into turn four despite the Brit defending hard.

That move opened the door for Oscar Piastri to squeeze past his team-mate, but the Australian was unable to repeat Norris' move on Verstappen.

Russell, meanwhile, re-passed Sainz as Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc started from P10 and struggled for pace in the shortened race.

READ MORE: FIA announce Verstappen penalty verdict after Austrian GP mishap

Related

Max Verstappen Lewis Hamilton Mercedes McLaren George Russell Carlos Sainz

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Toto Wolff issues Mercedes blame for 'unacceptable' problem hampering Antonelli's title chances

Toto Wolff issues Mercedes blame for 'unacceptable' problem hampering Antonelli's title chances

  • Yesterday 18:57
F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'back to his best' as Mercedes chief delivers Ferrari warning

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton 'back to his best' as Mercedes chief delivers Ferrari warning

  • Yesterday 16:26
Toto Wolff told to hold urgent Mercedes meeting over F1 title fight: ‘He needs to sit down with them’

Toto Wolff told to hold urgent Mercedes meeting over F1 title fight: ‘He needs to sit down with them’

  • Yesterday 16:45
George Russell confronted with Mercedes ultimatum over Kimi Antonelli F1 title fight

George Russell confronted with Mercedes ultimatum over Kimi Antonelli F1 title fight

  • Yesterday 08:58
Martin Brundle's son makes late entry to take on Max Verstappen in Nurburgring 24 Hours race

Martin Brundle's son makes late entry to take on Max Verstappen in Nurburgring 24 Hours race

  • Yesterday 21:55
Nurburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race

Nurburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race

  • Yesterday 20:25

Just in

13-5
Charles Leclerc reveals his favourite F1 meme with his best British accent
13-5
Martin Brundle's son makes late entry to take on Max Verstappen in Nurburgring 24 Hours race
13-5
Ferrari F1 hopes come crashing down over 'soul-destroying' 2026 upgrades
13-5
Nurburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race
13-5
Max Verstappen Nurburgring absence confirmed as F1 champion to miss fan event due to safety concerns
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Martin Brundle's son makes late entry to take on Max Verstappen in Nurburgring 24 Hours race Nurburgring 24 Hours

Martin Brundle's son makes late entry to take on Max Verstappen in Nurburgring 24 Hours race

Yesterday 21:55
Ferrari F1 hopes come crashing down over 'soul-destroying' 2026 upgrades Ferrari

Ferrari F1 hopes come crashing down over 'soul-destroying' 2026 upgrades

Yesterday 21:12
Nurburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race Nurburgring 24 Hours

Nurburgring 24 Hours: Qualifying explained as Max Verstappen competes in famous race

Yesterday 20:25
Max Verstappen Nurburgring absence confirmed as F1 champion to miss fan event due to safety concerns Nurburgring 24 Hours

Max Verstappen Nurburgring absence confirmed as F1 champion to miss fan event due to safety concerns

Yesterday 19:48
Ontdek het op Google Play
x