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The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix pretty much had it all: a chaotic start, interesting strategies, wheel-to-wheel action throughout the field and standout underdog performances. With the Red Bull Ring’s Formula 1 contract extended until 2041, we look forward to many more exciting races to come. But for now, let’s rate the 20 drivers that took part in this year’s Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz Jr., Williams (Did Not Start) 5/10
What could go wrong, did go wrong for poor Sainz, through no fault of his own. A damaged floor compromised the Spaniard’s qualifying, resulting in a P19 start for Sunday’s race. But he couldn’t even see the five red lights go out as yet another issue plagued his Williams. His rear brakes got stuck in the engaged position, meaning he couldn’t get underway for the formation lap. When marshals pushed his car he was able to get moving, but a lap around the Red Bull Ring caused his brakes to overheat and catch fire, damaging his FW47 beyond repair and forcing Sainz to sit out the Grand Prix before it even began.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes (Retired, lap 1) 3/10
Antonelli blamed the wind for his deficit to teammate Russell in qualifying. Starting from ninth on the grid, the young Italian was keen to make up positions on the opening lap. Perhaps a bit too keen, as he misjudged his braking into Turn 3, locked up his rear tyres and clattered into the rear of defending Champion Verstappen, sending the pair of them out of the race. It was completely his fault, something he fully accepted blame for. He has also received a three-place grid penalty for the British Grand Prix, which won’t help his hopes for a resurgence around Silverstone.
