P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A particularly eventful Austrian Grand Prix was dominated by the Max Verstappen/Lando Norris shunt – but Edd Straw’s driver rankings also unveils some rollercoaster races for the rest of the Formula 1 grid
The high-profile crash between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the Austrian Grand Prix dominated the headlines, showcasing the intense battle for the race lead. The grand prix also saw a surprising turn of events with Ferrari missing out on points while Haas achieved a brilliant double top 10 finish. Verstappen’s and Norris’s performance flaws were at the center of attention during a weekend where both made errors at the Red Bull Ring. The rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each driver’s performance, including factors such as pace, racecraft, consistency, and avoidance of key mistakes. The list fluctuates from weekend to weekend and is solely focused on how drivers performed in a given race, not their overall qualities. Despite the win, George Russell’s high ranking was primarily due to his strong third-place finish and exceptional performance throughout the weekend. Carlos Sainz’s quiet yet effective weekend in a challenging Ferrari earned him a high ranking, showcasing his clean and consistent driving. Oscar Piastri’s missed opportunity in qualifying cost him a chance to join the Verstappen/Norris battle, but his impressive second-place finishes in both races reflected a strong performance overall. Nico Hulkenberg faced challenges early in the weekend but redeemed himself with a superb qualifying and eventual sixth-place finish, showcasing his resilience and skill on track.
