The setup
The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring was one of the most chaotic races in recent F1 history. The sprint weekend format added extra complexity, and the Red Bull Ring — with its short lap, heavy braking zones, and DRS trains — was the perfect stage for drama.
Max Verstappen started from pole and dominated the sprint race. But the Grand Prix would be a different story entirely.
The race
The race started with Verstappen pulling away from the field, but behind him, chaos was brewing. Lando Norris, starting second, was pushing hard, and the two Red Bull drivers were battling for position.
Then came the moment that defined the race: Verstappen and Norris made contact at Turn 3, damaging both cars. Verstappen's floor was destroyed, and he dropped down the order. Norris continued but with damage.
The victory
With Verstappen out of contention, George Russell seized the opportunity. Driving for Mercedes in a car that was not the fastest on the grid, Russell produced one of the most impressive drives of his career, managing his tyres perfectly and holding off Carlos Sainz to take the win.
It was a victory that demonstrated Russell's maturity and racecraft, and it was one of the most memorable moments of the 2024 season.
Why it endures
Austria 2024 endures because it is the purest example of how unpredictable F1 can be. The championship leader collided with his rival. The Mercedes driver, in a car that was not the fastest, won through skill and strategy. And the sprint weekend format added an extra layer of complexity that made the entire weekend unforgettable.