Verstappen wins Austria sprint to extend title lead

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took a controlled victory in the sprint race at the Austrian Grand Prix to edge further ahead in the championship. 

The Dutchman beat Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, extending his lead over Leclerc to 44 points. 

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Leclerc fought off an early challenge from Sainz but was safe in second once far enough ahead of his teammate to lose the DRS overtaking aid. 

Mercedes’ George Russell took fourth and Lewis Hamilton eighth. 

The big loser was Fernando Alonso, whose Alpine would not start on the grid and had to retire before turning a wheel.