With a less dominant single-seater than in the past two years, the reigning triple world champion has had to work harder to hold off his rivals, but as in Canada and Spain, he has once again managed to do so at the start of the weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
On Saturday noon, he will start at the head of the sprint race, the third of the season, ahead of the two McLarens of Briton Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri, and will once again be the big favorite.
During very tactical qualifying during which the teams tried as much as possible to preserve their tires in view of a busy program, Verstappen was able to pull out of the game at the last minute by getting the better of Norris by only 93 thousandths of a second in total. end of Q3.
“I am very happy to take first place in the sprint qualifying in front of my fans for our home race. Everything went very well today. The car was pleasant to drive and we immediately found the right settings. It’s a very good start to the weekend,” said the world championship leader.
Ferrari, under pressure after two disappointing weekends in Canada and Spain, did not really get back on track as Spaniard Carlos Sainz took fifth place while Charles Leclerc will only start in 10th position.
Victim of an anti-stall problem when leaving his garage, the Monegasque was unable to complete a fast lap in Q3, which provoked his anger.
Dutchman Max Verstappen during qualifying for the sprint race of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix, June 28, 2024 in Spielberg
© AFP
“Obviously I’m not happy, but the weekend is still long. I will try to gain a few places during the sprint race and then start from scratch to prepare for the Grand Prix qualifying,” said Leclerc.
Mercedes confirms
Mercedes, on the other hand, confirmed its revival by securing fourth and sixth places in qualifying and could join the fight for the podium.
For once, the Mexican Sergio Pérez has reached Q3 and will start in seventh place, ahead of the two Alpines of Frenchmen Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
As in Barcelona last weekend, the French team managed to get its two cars into Q3 and seems to be continuing the recovery observed in recent weeks after a catastrophic start to the season.
“The positive thing is that we performed well and are well placed for the sprint. We still have work and things to understand, but it’s nice to be moving in the right direction,” Ocon emphasized.
Briton Lando Norris (McLaren) during qualifying for the sprint race of the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix, June 28, 2024 in Spielberg
© AFP
“We managed SQ1 and SQ2 well, showing good speed to reach the following sessions. On the other hand, we clearly did not maximize the SQ3. It was complicated and I couldn’t really do an attacking lap,” Gasly lamented.
Conversely, Aston Martin is struggling more and more to enter the Top 10. On Saturday, the Canadian Lance Stroll and the Spanish veteran Fernando Alonso will only start in 12th and 13th positions after being beaten by the modest Haas of the Dane Kevin Magnussen (11th).
Australian Daniel Ricciardo (Racing Bulls), who has been in danger of losing his seat after poor performances recently, only managed 16th fastest time, a result that does not help his case. He will have to do better on Saturday in qualifying for the Grand Prix.
