2026 Formula 1 Austrian GP
F1 Austrian GP live commentary and updates - qualifying
Follow along for updates from Formula 1 qualifying ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix
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Verstappen, with only three sets of softs for this session (he had five after FP2 and used two sets in FP3) is on the road and looking to only need one run.
He posts a 1m07.407s to go top, and Hadjar is just 0.001s off his team-mate.
Norris then posts a 1m07.259s.
Russell's out earlier than the other front runners, Mercedes using the clearer track.
Hulkenberg posts a 1m08.509s, but Russell immediately brings the car into FP3's ballpark with a 1m07.811s.
Still another 0.8s to find to match his FP3 headliner.
I'm liking Cadillac's revisions to the livery to get rid of the asymmetry. It's like a monochrome Stewart, with the badge chequers instead of tartan.
Ocon opens his lap, but Perez has immediately gone quicker in the opening sector.
It's a 1m09.083s, as Perez goes 0.429s slower than the Frenchman.
Q1 begins
And here we go! The pit exit is open, and Ocon is first on scene. Bottas follows him out, with Perez in pursuit. Ocon's one of those who might be on the cusp at the close of the session, depending on whether Haas has a little bit extra over Williams.
Both Williams cars indeed stream out, followed by the Aston Martins.
10 minutes until Q1 opens for service.
Mercedes, having headlined all three practice sessions, remains the favourite - but, as mentioned, it was all very close in that final practice session. Can Ferrari, McLaren, or Red Bull spring a surprise? They'll have their work cut out to do it.
For now, Q1 is our focus. Aston Martin, Cadillac, and Williams look to be the most 'in trouble' of the teams - but traffic and Turn 3 lock-ups will play a role here.
Sergio Perez, Cadillac Racing
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
The fastest times in both FP2 and FP3 were in the 1m07.0s, so it stands to reason that we're looking at the low 1m06s for pole assuming the drivers are able to find the right level of progression through the sessions. Maybe, if someone's really rapid, we might reach the 1m05s...
It's still warm, however, at 33C ambient - so track temperatures will be pushing 50C.
Austrian GP qualifying - starting soon!
And hello again, welcome back to our live feed for the Austrian Grand Prix sessions - next up, qualifying!
It was an incredibly close-run session in FP3, with the top seven all within 0.356s. Every single little smidgen of time will matter, at least if anyone hopes of overturning Mercedes' current advantage.
George Russell, Mercedes
Photo by: Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
