Austria – Qualifications: Charles Leclerc on pole, Sebastian Vettel at a standstill

During Q1, Ferrari chose to send both its drivers out on medium tires while the rest of the field opted for the red-banded softs. This didn’t prevent the Scuderia from qualifying comfortably, with Charles Leclerc continuing his good form.

On the other hand, Mercedes was forced to send both of its drivers back on track since the first stint only placed them in the mid-pack of the standings. The second stint was also not very successful, with a 5th place for Hamilton and a 7th for Bottas. Ultimately, they were forced to make a last attempt in the final moments of Q1, eventually climbing to 2nd and 3rd positions. It should be noted that the stewards indicated they would investigate after the session regarding a possible obstruction by Lewis Hamilton towards Kimi Räikkönen during one of the Finnish driver’s fast laps.

Pierre Gasly was the least diligent driver on track as he once again experienced a loss of power with his Honda engine, similar to what had happened during Saturday morning’s session.

In his last lap, Daniil Kvyat arrived at the final double right-hander to find many drivers going slowly, preparing for their last attempt. This dashed the Russian’s hopes, who had to settle for the 18th position.

The eliminated from Q1 were therefore: Perez, Stroll, Kvyat, Russell, Kubica

For the second part of the session, roles were reversed: Mercedes and Max Verstappen started on mediums while Ferrari curiously opted for softs on both of its cars. Logically, the Red drivers were able to set the two best times, but this puts them on an offset and decidedly very aggressive strategy in anticipation of the race.

Alfa Romeo had a great session, with Kimi Räikkönen and Antonio Giovinazzi comfortably in the top 10, while Renault’s complicated weekend was confirmed with Nico Hülkenberg finishing in 12th and 14th positions (who will also incur a five-position penalty for having already exhausted his engine quota). Kevin Magnussen will face the same penalty for a gearbox change but still managed to secure the 10th fastest time of the session, while his teammate, Romain Grosjean, was the first to be eliminated after damaging his front wing during his first run.

The eliminated from Q2 were: Grosjean, Hülkenberg, Albon (who will start from the back of the grid due to an engine change), Ricciardo, and Sainz (who will start last).

During Q3, there was no room for strategy: everyone went out on softs. Well, not everyone, as the Ferrari mechanics were very busy on the left side of Sebastian Vettel’s car. The German was unable to go back out, and we saw him exit his car with four minutes remaining in the session.

During the first attempt, it was Charles Leclerc who managed to set the best time at 1:03:208, while Max Verstappen slipped between Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton, who had an average lap. The Monegasque driver was able to improve his time further, setting a new circuit record (1:03:003) and in the process securing his second pole position in F1.

Lewis Hamilton managed to increase his pace to finish 2nd, just ahead of Max Verstappen. Notable is the impressive 5th place of Kevin Magnussen, which will nonetheless be spoiled by the five-place penalty the Dane will suffer. The driver’s shout of joy when he was informed of his position will be remembered!

QUALIFYING CLASSIFICATION: A second career pole for @Charles_Leclerc 💪#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NipWbpHnzp

— Formula 1 (@F1) June 29, 2019

From our special correspondent in Spielberg