World champion Max Verstappen achieved the fastest time in the first free practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg. The Red Bull driver clocked a time of 1:05.685 minutes on Friday, making him 0.276 seconds faster than Oscar Piastri in the McLaren. Behind him were Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (+0.370) and Carlos Sainz (0.443).
Verstappen had to endure a moment of shock during training when the Dutchman’s car rolled backwards on the start-finish straight, apparently due to electronic problems. Verstappen first suspected an engine problem after he adjusted his high-speed differential, as he explained on the radio. The fourth and final engine of the season had already been installed in his car. If he needs another engine, he could face a grid penalty. After a short break, however, the world championship leader was able to continue driving.
Qualifying for the sprint on Saturday is scheduled for Friday from 4.30 p.m.
Austrian Grand Prix
First free practice: 1. Max Verstappen NED Red Bull 1:05.685 2. Oscar Piastri AUS McLaren + 0.276 3. Charles Leclerc MON Ferrari 0.370 4. Carlos Sainz ESP Ferrari 0.443 5. Lewis Hamilton GBR Mercedes 0.569 6. Esteban Ocon FRA Alpine 0.612 7. Lance Stroll CAN Aston Martin 0.699 8. George Russell GBR Mercedes 0.701 9. Yuki Tsunoda JPN RB 0.894 10. Fernando Alonso ESP Aston Martin 0.918 11. Pierre Gasly FRA Alpine 1.049 12. Sergio Perez MEX Red Bull 1.098 13. Lando Norris GBR McLaren 1.195 14. Zhou Guanyu CHN Kick Sauber 1,234 15. Valtteri Bottas FIN Kick Sauber 1,240 16. Daniel Ricciardo AUS RB 1,277 17. Nico Hülkenberg GER Haas 1,281 18. Alexander Albon THA Williams 1,310 19. Kevin Magnussen DEN Haas 1,460 20. Logan Sargeant USA Williams 1,574
