The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix provided the kind of high drama that makes Formula 1 unmissable and with it there were plenty of winners and losers in Spielberg. With a crucial win for Lando Norris at the Red Bull Ring, the title race is alive and kicking. But the storylines didn’t end at the front—rookies shone, title contenders suffered, and teams up and down the pit lane experienced a weekend of fortunes reversed.
Redemption was the theme for Lando Norris, who silenced his critics with a flawless weekend. The same cannot be said for Max Verstappen, whose misfortune compounded a rough stretch for Red Bull at their home event. Meanwhile, rookies like Bortoleto and Lawson showcased their talent under pressure, offering hope for their teams and fans alike.
Who emerged as the biggest winners and who left Spielberg wondering what went wrong? Here’s our verdict.
Winners and losers from a dramatic 2025 Austrian Grand Prix
Find out who made the cut and who faded away in the Total-Motorsport winners and losers from the F1 2025 MoAustrianaco GP.
Winner – Lando Norris / McLaren
After a difficult result in Montreal, Norris bounced back in style. Despite sitting out FP1 for young driver Alex Dunne, he was untouchable in practice and qualifying, grabbing pole position with authority.
When it counted, Norris held off persistent pressure from Oscar Piastri throughout the race, keeping his cool in wheel-to-wheel combat and delivering his third victory of the season. As a result, the gap in the championship shrinks to just 15 points, and McLaren’s one-two finish stretches their constructors’ lead to a massive 207 points.
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Loser – Max Verstappen
For Max Verstappen, the Austrian GP was a nightmare. A collision with Kimi Antonelli on Lap 1 left the defending champion out of the race at Red Bull’s home circuit. As Norris and Piastri stormed ahead, Verstappen’s title hopes took another hit, dropping him 61 points off the championship lead. With Red Bull Racing still struggling to match McLaren’s relentless pace, Verstappen faces a daunting challenge to keep his hopes of a fifth crown alive.
Winner – Ferrari
After months of criticism and patchy results, Ferrari delivered their most complete weekend of the season. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line third and fourth, confirming the impact of their latest upgrades. Though they were never able to challenge the McLarens, Ferrari decisively moved back ahead of Mercedes in the constructors’ standings and look poised to fight for consistent podiums again.
Loser – Kimi Antonelli
Youngster Kimi Antonelli experienced the flip side of Formula 1. After earning plaudits for a podium in Canada, he was left to reflect on a first-lap mistake that took out Verstappen and ended his own race early. With a three-place grid penalty hanging over him for Silverstone, Antonelli’s rookie education continues at full speed.
Winner – Liam Lawson
Liam Lawson delivered a much-needed boost for Racing Bulls with a superb drive to sixth place, building on his impressive qualifying performance. The New Zealander executed a perfect one-stop strategy and helped the team jump above Haas in the championship. After a tough season, Lawson’s tenacity finally paid off in Austria.
Loser – Williams
It was a weekend to forget for Williams. Carlos Sainz never made the start after a fiery issue on the grid, and Alex Albon was sidelined mid-race by overheating. For a team fighting for every point, this double DNF is a bitter blow—especially as rivals edge closer in the constructors’ standings.
Winner – Gabriel Bortoleto / Sauber
Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto capped a breakthrough weekend for Sauber. After reaching Q3 for the first time, the Brazilian scored his maiden F1 points with eighth place, holding his own against mentor Fernando Alonso in the closing laps. Veteran Nico Hulkenberg climbed from 20th to ninth, giving Sauber a double points finish and a morale boost for the rest of the season.
