Bottas takes pole position for season-opening Austrian GP

Valtteri Bottas upstaged Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton on Saturday to take pole place for Formula One’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix. The Finnish driver edged out the world champion by .012 seconds on the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. He clenched his fist as he climbed out of his automotive and shared a hug with Hamilton.

“It’s something special when you push the car to the limit,” mentioned Bottas, who’s chasing an eighth profession win. “Feels so good. It’s very impressive (from the team).”

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third and Lando Norris gave McLaren a lift by ending fourth. Verstappen has received the previous two years right here, together with 2019 when he began third behind Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

“It’s going to be interesting quite a bit warmer tomorrow and hopefully this will play to our advantage,” Verstappen mentioned. “Today, Mercedes was on a different level, unfortunately. Last year we were also a little bit off in qualifying so I expect we will be a bit better in the race.”

Bottas had the main time when drivers launched into their remaining laps and beat his personal mark earlier than sliding off the observe into the gravel.

Hamilton was chasing a record-extending 89th profession pole. He was forward however then dropped off barely as Bottas secured a 12th profession pole.

“Great job by Valtteri. It’s a great start to the season,” Hamilton mentioned. “We show year on year that we continue to be the best team. We’re open-minded … constantly learning from each other and pushing the boundaries.”

Ferrari struggled for pace, with Leclerc practically one second behind in seventh and Sebastian Vettel failing to make it into the third and remaining a part of qualifying, often known as Q3. He begins the race from 11th on the grid.

Vettel is leaving Ferrari on the finish of the season along with his future in F1 unsure.

Earlier, Hamilton posted the quickest time in morning observe. The 35-year-old British driver was additionally quickest in each classes on Friday.

Midway via third observe, F1 newcomer Nicholas Latifi misjudged the exit of a flip and spun his Williams automotive right into a protecting tire wall.