Sainz's F1 Car Erupts in Flames, Halting Austrian GP: Watch the Dramatic Video

Dramatic Moment: Carlos Sainz's F1 Car Engulfed in Flames at Austrian GP

The Austrian Grand Prix experienced a dramatic start when Carlos Sainz's Williams car encountered a fiery issue, causing a delay.

Carlos Sainz's F1 car ablaze during the Austrian Grand Prix

The race faced a 10-minute postponement as Sainz's vehicle failed to move from its grid position during the formation lap. Marshals were required to push the car, and Sainz initially aimed to join the race from the pit lane. However, his rear brakes ignited, forcing his withdrawal. The race was subsequently shortened to 70 laps.

Race conditions were challenging, with air temperatures soaring to 32 degrees Celsius and the track surface reaching a scorching 54 degrees. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin humorously commented on the extreme heat while awaiting the restart, estimating his seat temperature to be around 200 degrees.

Ultimately, Lando Norris clinched victory at the Austrian Grand Prix, skillfully fending off his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri. The race witnessed an intense battle for the lead between Norris and Piastri in the initial stages. Piastri briefly overtook Norris, but the lead was short-lived.

Piastri faced setbacks during pit stops and was forced onto the grass by Franco Colapinto. Despite these challenges, he managed to close the gap with Norris but was unable to execute a successful overtake.

Norris acknowledged the intense competition, stating, "We had a great battle, that's for sure. A lot of stress, but a lot of fun. A nice battle, so well done to Oscar." He later described the result as a "beautiful one-two" finish for the McLaren team.

The championship standings have seen a shift, with McLaren now leading the charge. This follows Max Verstappen's early exit due to a collision. Piastri currently leads Norris by 15 points, while Verstappen trails in third place, 61 points behind the leader.

Piastri expressed some regret over the near-collision with Norris and his brief time in the lead. "I hope it was good watching because it was pretty hard work from the car," he said. "I tried my absolute best and probably could have done a better job when I just got ahead momentarily. It was a good battle, a bit on the edge at times."

Ferrari secured the next two positions, with Charles Leclerc claiming third place, marking his third podium finish in the last four races. His teammate, Lewis Hamilton, finished fourth. George Russell of Mercedes, fresh off his Canadian Grand Prix win, finished fifth. Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls achieved his best result of the season, finishing sixth. Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin held off Gabriel Bortoleto for seventh, while Nico Hulkenberg and Esteban Ocon rounded out the top ten.