Sprint winner Max Verstappen claims team-mate Sergio Perez pushed him off track

Max Verstappen accused Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez of pushing him off the road before going on to win Formula One’s sprint race in Austria.

Perez had to settle for second behind Verstappen with Carlos Sainz third for Ferrari.

Lando Norris started third but finished only ninth following a poor opening lap, while George Russell and Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in eighth and 10th respectively on an underwhelming day for Mercedes.

LIGHTS OUT! Perez gets a flying start and is ahead of Max Verstappen into Turn 1!#AustrianGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/sAaqmDPkY8

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 1, 2023

In damp conditions at the Red Bull Ring, pole-sitter Verstappen fell behind Perez as they blasted away from their marks.

Verstappen moved to his right on the run down to the opening corner, but Perez squeezed his way past to take the lead.

However, the Mexican ran wide on the exit of the first bend allowing Verstappen the opportunity of a slingshot back past on the straight.

Verstappen drew alongside his team-mate but ran out of room, briefly dropping two wheels on the grass.

Let’s talk about that start! Both bulls were in full charge mode to start this sprint off. #AustrianGP Congrats to both Max and Checo, today.