The Austrian Grand Prix began with polesitter Verstappen building an early lead, while Norris gave chase. Verstappen controlled the first half, but a slow pit stop and tyre differences brought Norris back into contention. In the closing stages the two fought repeatedly, and on lap 64 they made contact at turn 3. Norris retired with damage, while Verstappen suffered a puncture and dropped back. That promoted George Russell, who had been running third, into the lead. Russell stayed composed over the final laps and gave Mercedes its first win since 2022. Piastri finished second, Sainz third, and Verstappen recovered to fifth.