Qualifying Report: Lando Norris Dominates Pole Position at Austrian Grand Prix
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix with a standout performance at the Red Bull Ring, clocking a blistering lap of 1:03.971. This marked the largest gap from pole to the second place this season. Norris, initially absent from FP1, demonstrated remarkable speed throughout the weekend, leading every session post-practice.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc filled the second spot in qualifying, successfully splitting the McLarens with a solid lap. Championship leader Oscar Piastri will start from third, despite being hampered by a late spin from Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, which disrupted both Piastri’s and Max Verstappen’s final laps; Verstappen will begin in seventh after his recent streak of four consecutive poles at this event.
Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell secured fourth and fifth, respectively, while Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson impressed with a sixth-place finish. Notably, Gabriel Bortoleto, fresh from an F2 victory, achieved his best F1 qualifying result, placing eighth.
Q2 experienced disruption with a red flag due to a trackside fire, compelling all drivers to push for fast laps upon resuming. Pressure intensified for Yuki Tsunoda as the second Red Bull driver exited in Q1, resulting in an 18th-place start. He was only 0.250 seconds off Verstappen’s Q1 pace. Carlos Sainz and Nico Hülkenberg filled the last positions after similarly disappointing outings.
Qualifying Results:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:03.971
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
The Austrian Grand Prix promises an exciting race with the grid now firmly established.
