Norris reigns at the Austrian GP

Lando Norris held off a relentless challenge from McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to win the Austrian Grand Prix and boost his Formula 1 title hopes.

Norris and Piastri battled for the lead from the start, with the Australian briefly taking the lead before Norris regained the position. A rash charge from Piastri nearly caused a collision shortly after.

Piastri lost ground during the pit stops and was pushed onto the grass by Alpine's Franco Colapinto while weaving through traffic. He soon made up ground on Norris, but wasn't close enough to attempt an overtake.

On the radio, Norris called it a “beautiful 1-2” for the team. “We had a great battle, that’s for sure,” he added later. “A lot of stress, but a lot of fun. A nice battle, so well done to Oscar.”

More than ever this season, the title fight is focused on the two McLarens after defending champion Max Verstappen was hit by Kimi Antonelli on the opening lap, ending his race.

15-point lead

Overall leader Piastri leads second-placed Norris by 15 points, with Verstappen still third but now 61 points off the lead.

Piastri apologized to McLaren for the near-miss between the two, which occurred one race after Norris collided with him in Canada. The Australian said he regretted not making more of his few seconds at the front early in the race.

Ferrari is making a strong entrance

Charles Leclerc was third for his third podium in four races, with Ferrari teammate Lewis Hamilton fourth.

George Russell, who won the last race in Canada, finished fifth for Mercedes, and Liam Lawson sixth for Racing Bulls, their best result of the season. Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso held off Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto to take seventh.

Nico Hulkenberg's second Sauber was ninth, and Esteban Ocon finished 10th for Haas.— AP