The Formula 1 teams got out on track for the first time on Friday morning to prepare for the race weekend. During the first two free practices, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton balanced each other out by both setting the fastest time once. It remains to be seen which driver will take pole position on Saturday afternoon.
Verstappen maintains speed
Red Bull Racing won the Styrian Grand Prix last weekend and is the favourite to win this Sunday's Austrian GP. Verstappen was convincing during the first free practice with the fastest time. Although he had to settle for third place a few hours later, he can look forward to qualifying with a lot of confidence.
Mercedes fights back
Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crossed the finish line far behind Verstappen on Sunday afternoon. It was feared that the German team would not be able to get close to the Dutchman this weekend either, but in the second free practice session, the team breathed a sigh of relief. Both Hamilton and Bottas managed to set a faster time than Verstappen, so anything is possible on Saturday afternoon.
Pérez is struggling
Where Verstappen made an excellent impression on Friday, his teammate Sergio Pérez had a hard time again. The Mexican was unable to drive in the top five during the first two free practices. Even stronger: Pérez didn't get any further than eleventh place in the afternoon session. Red Bull does not need to worry though, because during qualifying and the race the driver usually performs much better.