Austrian Grand Prix – Key moments
On this short, fast and intense track, there is often action and overtaking. MotorsInside looks back at some notable events.
2002: Barrichello has to give up the victory.
The battle for the world title is in full swing between Schumacher and Häkkinen. Irvine has left, replaced by Rubens Barrichello, who has the strict order to support his leader at any cost.
But on that day, the Brazilian proves that he can compete with a four-time world champion and comfortably leads ahead of the German approaching the final lap. That’s when this famous order comes: “let Michael pass for the title.”
As Barrichello complies, the supporters are outraged. On the podium, a visibly embarrassed Schumacher surrenders the top step to his teammate. Schumacher will ultimately win the championship, but team orders are declared illegal. No victory in Spielberg has ever left such a bitter taste.
2016: Contact between teammates
Nico Rosberg, after having long competed for the lead in the race against Lewis Hamilton, found himself being chased by his teammate on the final lap. Only a small braking mistake from Rosberg allowed Hamilton to catch up in the uphill towards turn 3, but Rosberg’s aggressive defense resulted in a collision between teammates.
With such contact, Rosberg’s wing breaks and gets stuck under his car, slowing him down significantly. Hamilton overtakes his teammate, who is struggling to bring the car to the finish line. What should have been a Mercedes double has ultimately turned into a 1-4 for the German team (Ferrari took some notes that day, editor’s note).
The trouble doesn’t stop there for the German driver, as the race management imposes a 10-second penalty in addition to a reprimand for not stopping his car despite the significant damage and debris he left on the track.
2019: Max Max Super Max
Qualifying in 2nd place on the grid, Verstappen’s start was far from ideal, losing a few positions. The young Dutch driver had to use all of his talent to make his way back through the field, first overtaking Vettel to get back on the podium, and then Valtteri Bottas.
With only 5 laps remaining, Verstappen catches up to Leclerc and momentarily overtakes him, before the two young drivers battle wheel to wheel for several turns. Leclerc holds onto his advantage for another 2 laps, only to be forced off the track by the Red Bull driver.
Max Verstappen then wins this Grand Prix, becoming the first driver in 2019 to win a Grand Prix without being behind the wheel of a Mercedes, and gives Honda their first victory in 11 years.
