F1 Full Results | George Russell takes Pole Position for the Austrian Grand Prix

Russell's quickest lap time in Q3 was enough to edge out Leclerc and Hamilton. However, the Briton's pole looked to be under threat, given yellow flags at the final stages of the lap after a crash for Max Verstappen, but no further investigation has been deemed necessary for any infringement.

Speaking post-Quali, Russell said: "I feel incredible. It was an amazing lap. I saw the yellow [flag], I had a big lift into the corner, went in in five tenths up and came out two and a half tenths up. It was a single yellow and should be okay. Everything felt sweet and I am really proud of the job we all did."

Speaking to Sky F1, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff was also adamant Russell's Pole will stand. He said: "It was a 100m lift, single yellow. A 100m lift of George loses a tenth and a half. It is completely on. It was a massive lift.

Rounding out the second row in P4 will be Antonelli, while Verstappen and Norris make up the top six, respectively.

Q2 saw a narrow escape for Verstappen, with Red Bull opting to keep the Dutchman in the garage during the final runs. In the end, the four-time champion squeezed into Q3 ahead of Pierre Gasly, Gabriel Bortoleto, Oliver Bearman, Nico Hulkenberg, Esteban Ocon, and Franco Colapinto.

At the back of the grid, Aston Martin's nightmare in 2026 continued, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll in P21 and P22. The Spaniard's best time was nine tenths behind Cadillac's Valtteri Bottas in P20, with the Finn joined by his teammate Sergio Perez, and Williams duo Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz in failing to get out of Q1.