Max Verstappen starts on pole position for today’s race at Red Bull Ring with Charles Leclerc hoping to upset the 60,000 Dutch fans in Spielberg backing the world champion.
Lewis Hamilton has had a much more difficult weekend, earning cheers from the stands after crashing in qualifying and starting in eighth – behind George Russell in fourth in the other Mercedes.
The 10 turns of Red Bull Ring, with lap times across the 2.68 miles clocking in at barely over a minute, have rarely suited Hamilton – who has won here only once – while Verstappen is gunning for a fourth victory at the circuit.
A sizeable 38-point lead atop the Formula One Drivers’ Championship has Verstappen on course to defend his title with Leclerc a further six back as Ferrari continue to struggle to mount a competitive challenge for the crown. Stay tuned with Standard Sport for all the latest updates from Austria!
Live updates
Good afternoon!
Welcome to our coverage of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix!
Max Verstappen starts on pole ahead of the Ferrari pair of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz at Red Bull Ring, after yesterday’s Sprint race.
Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to make a bid for a third podium in a row after bagging eighth on the grid having crashed in qualifying.
With the race set to begin at 2pm BST, follow Standard Sport’s live blog for all the build-up, race action and reaction…
