Formula 1: Charles Leclerc second in the Austrian Grand Prix

The 2020 Formula 1 season finally kicked off in Austria on July 5th. The race ended with Valtteri Bottas coming in a triumphant first, followed by second for Charles Leclerc and third for Lando Norris, who managed to get on his first podium.

After long months of waiting, the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship opened with a first race full of twists and turns on the Spielberg circuit in Austria. This first Grand Prix weekend was particularly marked by the Ferraris suffering on the track. After a disappointing qualifying (7th for Leclerc and 11th for Vettel), the race seemed to be in jeopardy for the Scuderia drivers.

There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to do

Charles Leclerc

Penalty for Hamilton, second place for Leclerc

However, there were still the typical twists and turns. Amid nine early finishes and three safety cars deployed on the track, Charles Leclerc managed to climb back up to third place. The collision between Lewis Hamilton and Alexander Albon on lap 60 earned him second place, the Mercedes driver having been penalised five seconds.

“It’s a good surprise. I really didn’t expect such a result. But we must not forget where we are in terms of performance. There is still a long way to go and a lot of work to do,” said the Monegasque driver after the race. “Don’t expect such results every weekend; we might not be so lucky.”

The drivers will return to the Spielberg circuit on July 12th for the Styrian Grand Prix.