--- title: "Max Verstappen Proves Unstoppable in a Messy 2023 F1 Austrian GP" description: "During a messy, penalty-filled 2023 Formula 1 Austrian grand prix, Red Bull's Max Verstappen couldn't be stopped." date: "2023-07-02" modified: "2023-07-02" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/max-verstappen-proves-unstoppable-in-a-messy-2023-f1-austrian-gp" categories: - "F1" - "News" - "Racing" --- # Max Verstappen Proves Unstoppable in a Messy 2023 F1 Austrian GP ![]() The 2023 [Formula 1]() Austrian Grand Prix was one of the messier races I've seen in a long time, with more drivers getting five-second penalties for exceeding track limits than I could count. Ferrari once again seemed confused about tire strategy, several drivers made contact during overtaking in turn four, and Mercedes's Lewis Hamilton was ratting out every other driver he saw exceeding track limits. However, despite all the mess, Red Bull's [Max Verstappen]() couldn't be stopped. Almost frustratingly, Verstappen was perfect throughout the Austrian GP. While he didn't lead every lap, breaking his streak of leading laps since the Miami GP almost a month ago, it took Red Bull telling him to pit to knock him out of first place. After his first pit stop, Ferrari's duo of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were ahead of Verstappen, with the former in the lead and the latter playing defense in an attempt to keep Verstappen at bay. However, the Dutchman made quick and easy work of dispatching both Ferrari drivers, retaking the lead in just a few short laps. ![]() Leclerc also raced a clean race, and did his absolute best to try and hold onto his lead, but the combination of Red Bull's superior car and Verstappen's brilliance proved unstoppable. So much so, in fact, that Red Bull bet on both his skill and the skill of the pit crew in the final two laps, so Verstappen could snag the fastest lap, in addition to first place. While leading by 23 seconds in the final two laps, Red Bull pit Verstappen for fresh soft compound tires, which would only leave a three-second gap between him and Leclerc. One mess up between either the pit crew or Verstappen and Lecrec would have won the race. However, the pit stop was perfect, and the fastest of the day for Red Bull, but Verstappen was able to use the fresh tires to get fastest lap and still win the race, earning him a total of 26 points on the day. It was more interesting of a race than the final results might suggest, though. The questionable tire strategies of several teams, drama between [Lewis Hamilton ]()and Toto Wolff, and the near-constant track limit penalties that were doled out kept things from getting boring, as the usual drivers took control of the race. The next F1 grand prix is next week, July 9, at Silverstone. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()