Verstappen returns to pole position in Austria, Norris P2

Max Verstappen has already led after the first set of laps in Q3 by more than three tenths, and the Dutchman remained in the lead once the clock ran out. After missing out on pole position for three Grands Prix in a row, he will once again start a race from P1 on the grid at Red Bull's home weekend. Lando Norris finished in P2 0.404 seconds behind his rival.

Oscar Piastri once again finished third, but his lap time got deleted, that saw him dropped to P7. As a result, George Russell finished in P3 ahead of Carlos Sainz and Lewis Hamilton. Charles Leclerc made a mistake on his final lap in the penultimate corner, and was happy to not to finish qualifying in a barrier, even though he will start from sixth place on the grid.

It was once again disappointing result for Sergio Perez, who finished only in P8, while Verstappen was confidently the fastest during the session. The Mexican's gap to his teammate was 0.888 seconds. Nico Hulkenberg finished in P9, ahead of Esteban Ocon in the Alpine.

Q2

Verstappen set a great lap time already in Q2, and the Dutchman easily topped the standings ahead of the final session of the day. Out of the four top teams’ cars, all eight of them have qualified. They will be joined by Ocon and Hulkenberg, while the two VCARB cars, Pierre Gasly, Kevin Magnussen and the last Aston Martin standing, Fernando Alonso, were all eliminated.

OUT - P15 Alonso, P14 Tsunoda, P13 Magnussen, P12 Gasly, P11 Ricciardo

Q1

After the teams were able to make their changes during the lunch break, Sainz set the pace in Q1 ahead of Piastri. After making some changes, Hamilton was put under some pressure as the Briton made a mistake on his first lap, but he safely qualified. Over the radio, the seven-time world champion said 'I’m just slow mate.'

Sergio Perez was not to convincing either, but he made it through to Q2 too. The last man to survive this session was Alonso in P15, while at the bottom, the two Stake F1 and Williams drivers were eliminated together with Lance Stroll.

OUT - P20 Zhou, P19 Sargeant, P18 Bottas, P17 Stroll, P16 Albon