Verstappen keeps Austrian Grand Prix victory after investigation into Leclerc pass

No further action. That was the decision of the Austrian Grand Prix stewards regarding the on-track clash between Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, meaning Verstappen keeps his victory at the Red Bull Ring with Leclerc second.

Verstappen and Leclerc had a thrilling battle for the lead, which culminated in the duo banging wheels as Verstappen launched an attack down the inside of the Ferrari at Turn 3 on the penultimate lap. Verstappen snatched the lead, to Leclerc’s fury, and went on to clinch victory.

The duo had differing views on the incident and headed off to speak to the stewards, along with their respective representatives, after they decided to investigate the clash.

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After spending several hours reviewing the video evidence as well as speaking to the drivers and their team representative, the stewards ultimately they decided no further action was necessary.

Explaining the decision, the stewards said they “Car 33 [Verstappen] sought to overtake car 16 [Leclerc] at Turn 3 on lap 69 by out-braking car 16. When doing so, car 33 was alongside car 16 on the entry of the corner and was in full control of the car while attempting the overtaking move on the inside of car 16.

“However, both car 33 and car 16 proceeded to negotiate the corner alongside each other but there was clearly insufficient space for both cars to do so. Shortly after the late apex, while exiting the corner, there was contact between the two cars.

“In the totality of the circumstances, we did not consider that either driver was wholly or predominantly to blame for the incident. We consider that this is a racing incident.

“Competitors are reminded that they have the right to appeal certain decisions of the Stewards, in accordance with Article 15 of the FIA International Sporting Code and Article 9.1.1 of the FIA Judicial and Disciplinary Rules, within the applicable time limits.”

The result ensures Red Bull's power unit supplier Honda of their first victory since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix.