Red Bull Ring hosts Opening round of 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship

Max Verstappen claims victory and leads championship chase

Sergio Perez finishes second; Ferrari suffer from strategy woes

The 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season got underway at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Austria with a thrilling race that saw reigning champion Max Verstappen claim victory, leading a Red Bull 1-2 finish.

After a dramatic qualifying session that saw several penalties and crashes, Verstappen lined up on pole position alongside teammate Sergio Perez. The start of the race was chaotic, with multiple collisions and safety cars, but Verstappen emerged from the chaos in the lead.

Verstappen controlled the race from the front, while Perez held off the challenge of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to take second place. Leclerc's teammate, Carlos Sainz, finished fourth after a late-race pit stop for fresh tires.