Max Verstappen is hot – Big names immediately out in F1 qualifying

McLaren looks strong on the Spielberg track.

Qualifying for the Austrian GP is underway.

As expected, McLaren are in the lead. Max Verstappen, who set the sixth fastest time, was well behind (+0.434) Lando Norris, who set the fastest time. Oscar Piastri lost to his teammate by +0.294 seconds.

The Dutch champion gave rude feedback on the team radio about the adjustments to his tool.

– The car is completely undriveable. I have no grip at all. This is worse than before, Verstappen told his engineer.

In the first section, Lance Stroll (16th), Esteban Ocon (17th), Yuki Tsunoda (18th), Carlos Sainz (19th), Nico Hülkenberg (20th) were eliminated.

Sainz finished in the bottom five for the third time in a row in qualifying. According to Viasat expert Heikki Kovalainen, the Williams car was partly to blame.

– He’s not usually that bad. The car’s behavior was pretty scary, Kovalainen updated.

The second section was briefly interrupted when Lewis Hamilton swerved onto the grass at a bend, leaving flames behind.

The story is being updated.

The story is being updated.