F1 LIVE | Russell goes fastest, can Verstappen match his pace?

Max Verstappen is the most successful driver in the history of Red Bull Ring, or what it was previously called, the A1-Ring. The Dutchman won in Spielberg on five different occasions: four times the Austrian Grand Prix, and once the Styrian Grand Prix.

The Dutchman last won at the track in 2023, where he topped both the Sprint and the race on Sunday, and was leading in the previous year as well, but he made contact with Lando Norris and lost the lead as a result, while the Briton had to retire his car. It was then George Russell who could capitalise on the incident and win.

Verstappen is coming off finishing second at the Canadian Grand Prix two weekends ago, where he crossed the finish line behind Russell. Youngster Kimi Antonelli completed the podium, becoming the third teenager to finish inside the Top 3 after Verstappen and Lance Stroll.

The two McLaren drivers made contact and also the headlines at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. On Lap 67, Norris tried to get past Oscar Piastri on the start-finish straight, but he ran into the back of the other McLaren car, and ended up in the wall. The Briton immediately apologised after over the team radio. As a result, Piastri's lead in the standings grew to 22 points.

Austria and the Red Bull Ring usually hosted a Sprint in the past. During the previous three seasons, a Sprint weekend took place in Spielberg, but that will not be case on this occasion. Therefore, after FP1, FP2 will follow after the team principals' press conference in the afternoon.