Pole-setter Max Verstappen wins Sprint Race; secures top position for Austrian Grand Prix

Spielberg: Max Verstappen won the F1 Sprint at the Red Bull Ring here, getting the better of the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, as he secured a top position on the grid for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix.

Defending champion Verstappen had aced qualifying on Friday evening, in a session that saw both Mercedes crash out in the third qualifying session (Q3), after which Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez was bumped down to P13 on the grid for this Sprint. This new-for-2022 Sprint format award points to the top eight instead of the top three.

The top 10 began on medium tyres, only four drivers having opted for softs. From pole, Verstappen enjoyed a rapid start and shut the door on Leclerc, who attempted a pass down his right-hand side -- briefly giving Sainz P2 at his teammate's expense before the Monegasque hit back.

Also read: I was super nervous: Wimbledon Champion Elena Rybakina

Also watch: