The 2021 Austrian Grand Prix was one of the most eagerly anticipated races of the season. After a thrilling start to the 2021 Formula One season, all eyes were on the Red Bull Ring and the battle between Mercedes and Red Bull. And it did not disappoint, with Max Verstappen taking a dominant victory in front of a passionate home crowd.
As the lights went out at the start of the race, Verstappen got away cleanly, taking the lead from pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas. It was clear from the start that Red Bull had the pace advantage, able to pull away from the chasing Mercedes.
Behind the two leaders, there was drama on the opening lap as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc collided at Turn 3. Both cars were eliminated from the race, with Leclerc later receiving a three-place grid penalty for the next race.
With the two title rivals out of the running, Verstappen was free to pull away from Bottas, eventually taking the chequered flag by 18.338 seconds. It was his second victory of the season and his first at the Red Bull Ring.
Behind the two leaders, Lando Norris took third place for McLaren, ahead of Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull. Carlos Sainz finished fifth, ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the Aston Martin. The two Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi rounded out the points-paying positions.
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Mercedes Struggle
The race was a disaster for Mercedes, with both cars retiring from the race. It was their first double retirement since the 2018 German Grand Prix, and a major blow to their title hopes.
The team’s struggles were compounded by Red Bull’s performance. The team has been steadily improving since the start of the season, and the Austrian Grand Prix was the first time they have been able to consistently challenge Mercedes for pace.
Red Bull on the Rise
Verstappen’s victory marks a major milestone for the team, and it comes as no surprise that they have been able to challenge Mercedes with their new aerodynamic package. The team has made huge strides in recent races, and they are now firmly in contention for the title.
Conclusion
The 2021 Austrian Grand Prix was a fitting showcase of the current state of Formula One. Mercedes have been the dominant force in recent years, but Red Bull showed that they are now a genuine contender for the championship. With Max Verstappen in prime form, this could be the season that Red Bull finally challenge for the title.
