World champion Max Verstappen took the lead from pole position in the Austrian Grand Prix, but was quickly overtaken by the pursuing Leclerc.
Verstappen pitted a lap later for a switch to the hard compound after losing the lead to his Ferrari rival on lap 12. He felt there was little point in pushing on with his car not comfortable on the mediums.
However, because Ferrari was able to comfortably extend their stint, Verstappen was always on the back foot and looked set to finish third until Ferrari's Carlos Sainz dropped out due to engine failure.
Welcoming the fact that he managed to salvage second on a day when Ferrari had a pace advantage, Verstappen said tyres played a critical role in the outcome.

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