F1 Austrian GP live commentary and updates - qualifying
Follow along for Formula 1 qualifying updates at the Austrian Grand Prix
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Summary
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Verstappen felt he was impeded by a Ferrari, which he noted was "a bit naughty, super unnecessary".
An investigation into a potential impeding incident between Norris and Leclerc has also been waved off.
Q3 - the fight for pole begins
It's time to set the top 10 places on the grid. Can Norris keep the momentum, or will Piastri snatch it at the death? Is there more in Verstappen's car? Is Bortoleto about to claim a maiden pole? We'll find out.
The track now bursts into life - and Russell almost nerfs a Ferrari on exiting the pitlane. Gasly, Antonelli, and Piastri are first to hit the track.
Piastri begins his lap, but he's already lost a bit of time in the opening sector.
Gasly opens his account with a 1m05.649s, but Antonelli does a 1m05.276s.
Piastri then sets a 1m04.554s, but Norris states his intention with a 1m04.268s.
Verstappen gets his opener in, and it's a 1m04.929s on used tyres - 0.661s off the pace, as Leclerc moves up to second to split the McLarens.
Russell gets up to fifth on a used set, going almost a tenth faster than Verstappen.
The Briton has an unsafe release noted by the FIA for that earlier moment in the pitlane.
Top 10 after first runs
1. Norris
2. Leclerc
3. Piastri
4. Hamilton
5. Russell
6. Verstappen
7. Antonelli
8. Bortoleto
9. Gasly
10. Lawson
Here comes the final charge for the late-session runs. Who's got a pole lap in their pockets?
Verstappen's going to be first up. But he's had to back out - there's a yellow flag!
Leclerc cements second as Piastri's had to back out of his lap - and Norris finds a mighty 1m03.971s to lock down pole position!
Gasly caused the yellow flag as he spun, which prompted both Piastri and Verstappen to bail on their laps.
Lawson got sixth place, as Verstappen didn't get a chance to improve on his opening run.
Piastri didn't get the chance to improve on his lap either, which allowed Leclerc to join Norris on the front row.
Norris, on securing pole for the Austrian GP: "It was a good lap, that's for sure. I guess just little bit by little bit, I felt that Q1 was good but I knew there were a few places I could get more time. I did what I planned to do!"
Leclerc on claiming second: "I'm very pleased. It's been a long time since we started on the front row, and it's been a difficult season overall but the team has kept pushing. We brought some new parts this weekend which for sure made a difference. We know we have a better car in the race than in qualifying, so I hope we can put more pressure on the McLarens."
Piastri on third place: "I had Gasly spin at the first corner so I didn't even open my second lap. Lando's been very quick all weekend so it would have been a tough challenge, but we easily had enough pace to be on the front row. But we can still have a good race from there."
Austrian GP grid order
1. Norris
2. Leclerc
3. Piastri
4. Hamilton
5. Russell
6. Lawson
7. Verstappen
8. Bortoleto
9. Antonelli
10. Gasly
11. Alonso
12. Albon
13. Hadjar
14. Colapinto
15. Bearman
16. Stroll
17. Ocon
18. Tsunoda
19. Sainz
20. Hulkenberg
And that's it! We've got a tantalising couple of rows at the front, and a relatively mixed order in the top 10 as Verstappen starts between Lawson and Bortoleto.
Tomorrow, then, should be pretty fun! We'll see you then.
By: Autosport Staff
