SPIELBERG, AUSTRIA – Lando Norris delivered a masterclass performance during qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, securing a commanding pole position that positions him ideally for Sunday`s race. His lap time was significantly faster than the competition, particularly noteworthy in a season often marked by tight margins. However, the session was not without its late drama, as yellow flags in the final moments impacted the crucial runs of several drivers, including championship leaders Oscar Piastri and local favorite Max Verstappen.
Norris, driving for McLaren, showcased exceptional pace throughout the weekend, consistently topping the practice sessions leading up to qualifying. This momentum carried directly into the crucial Saturday shootout. In Q3, the final phase where the top ten drivers vie for pole, Norris delivered a blistering lap of 1:03.971. This time was an impressive half a second quicker than his closest competitor, a substantial advantage at the short Red Bull Ring circuit and the largest pole margin seen so far in the 2025 season. His performance was a clear statement of intent and a significant boost following recent events.
The final runs of Q3 were poised for a potentially thrilling conclusion, with championship leader Piastri and Red Bull`s Verstappen both on track attempting to challenge Norris`s provisional pole time. However, fate intervened. Pierre Gasly of Alpine spun, triggering yellow flags in a critical sector of the track. This forced drivers approaching the area to slow down, effectively ending their attempts to improve their times. Both Piastri and Verstappen were caught out by this incident, unable to complete their flying laps at full speed.
Oscar Piastri, who currently holds a 22-point lead over Norris in the championship standings, ultimately qualified third. He expressed frustration that he didn`t get a clean shot at pole, although he acknowledged Norris`s formidable pace throughout the weekend. Max Verstappen, typically dominant at the Red Bull Ring and seeking a record sixth victory at the venue, found himself starting from an uncharacteristic seventh position. While he was reportedly on a lap that might have placed him higher, potentially on the front row, the yellow flags halted his charge. For the reigning world champion, this represents a significant challenge for race day, forcing him to navigate through a competitive field on a track where track position is often key.
The qualifying session also saw some notable performances elsewhere on the grid. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari secured second place, capitalizing on the late disruptions to edge ahead of Piastri. Lewis Hamilton, in the other Ferrari, achieved his best qualifying result of the year, lining up fourth. This is a promising sign for the Scuderia, who also introduced a new floor package in Austria. George Russell placed his Mercedes in fifth, just ahead of Racing Bulls driver Liam Lawson, who impressed with his best qualifying effort of the season in sixth. Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto also celebrated reaching Q3 for the first time in his F1 career, qualifying eighth.
Conversely, the session proved difficult for some established names. Red Bull`s Yuki Tsunoda continued a challenging streak, suffering his third consecutive Q1 elimination and will start from 18th. Similarly, Williams` Carlos Sainz also endured a third successive Q1 exit, placing him near the back of the grid in 19th.
With Norris starting from pole with a clear pace advantage, the stage is set for a fascinating Austrian Grand Prix. Piastri will be keen to recover positions and protect his championship lead, while Verstappen faces an uphill battle from seventh, needing to utilize Red Bull`s presumed strong race pace to climb through the field. The Ferrari and Mercedes drivers will also be looking to challenge at the front, promising an intriguing strategic race at the scenic Red Bull Ring.
Austrian GP Qualifying: Top 10
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:03.971
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.521
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.583
- Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.611
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.792
- Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +0.955
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.958
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – +1.161
- Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +1.305
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +1.678
