SPIELBERG, Austria: Red Bull's Max Verstappen reeled off his third win in a row from pole in the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday to consolidate his world championship lead over Lewis Hamilton who finished fourth.
Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas took second with McLaren's Lando Norris in third.
Verstappen's latest step towards ending Hamilton's hold on the drivers' title triggered a carnival atmosphere in Formula One's first capacity crowd since the coronavirus pandemic struck with most of the 100,000 in attendance decked out in his Dutch orange colours.
"To see so much orange in the stands is incredible, it's an extra motivation, thank you" he told his cheering congregation at the Red Bull-owned Spielberg circuit.
"The car was unreal," added the 21-year-old threat to Hamilton's bid for an unprecedented eighth world crown who was following up his win at the track last week.
"On every tyre set we put on, it was really enjoyable to drive. A great effort by the whole team. These two weeks here have been incredible."
Verstappen moved on to 182 points in the standings, 32 clear of Hamilton ahead of the seven-time world champion's home British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 18.
Hamilton, without a win since Barcelona in early May, had forecast after qualifying Saturday that beating Verstappen looked unlikely.
Aside from his Red Bull rival's superior pace, damage to Hamilton's car late on in the race cost him a likely second place.
"We're miles away from them (Red Bull). They've brought a lot of upgrades and we haven't so we've got to bring some," he said.
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Max Verstappen wins in Austria to pull clear of Lewis Hamilton in F1 title race
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Max Verstappen wins in Austria to pull clear of Lewis Hamilton in F1 title race
- Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas took second with McLaren's Lando Norris in third
Morocco says AFCON final incidents will not affect close African ties
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail”
RABAT: Morocco’s King Mohammed VI said on Thursday that African fraternity would prevail after what he described as “deplorable” acts that marred the closing minutes of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal.
Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest at a VAR-awarded penalty before returning to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday.
Groups of Senegalese fans clashed with Moroccan security as they tried to enter the pitch following the penalty decision.
Senegal has long been one of Morocco’s closest allies in Africa, where Moroccan firms and banks have expanded investments in recent years, strengthening the kingdom’s diplomatic influence.
Hours after the final, social media in both countries were under the spell of tension.
The final had been marred by “regrettable incidents” and “deplorable behavior,” the king said in a palace statement.
“Once the passion and emotions have subsided, inter-African fraternity will naturally prevail,” he said.
“Nothing can undermine the close ties forged over the centuries between our African peoples, nor the fruitful cooperation built with countries across the continent and strengthened by increasingly ambitious partnerships,” he added.
The tournament had also showcased Morocco’s development and represented “a success for all of Africa,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said it would take “appropriate action” after reviewing the match incidents, while FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned the behavior of Senegal’s players and members of the coaching staff.
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