P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Toto Wolff’s Mercedes team was the biggest benefactor of the late-race clash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff refuted any connection between Max Verstappen’s incident with Lando Norris in Austria and his past behavior racing Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen’s collision with Norris, leading to Norris’ terminal damage, brought Verstappen a 10-second penalty from the stewards. Despite McLaren’s Andrea Stella hinting at Verstappen’s past unresolved confrontations with Hamilton influencing his driving, Wolff disagreed with the assertion, emphasizing present circumstances over past events. The clash between Verstappen and Norris allowed George Russell of Mercedes to seize victory, marking the team’s first win of the season. Wolff expressed contentment with a podium finish before the incident, highlighting the unexpected turn of events that led to their victory.
