Record-breaking Verstappen edges out Russell for sensational pole position ahead of home race
Max Verstappen has continued his remarkable qualifying record at the Red Bull Ring, claiming a sensational pole position for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix. The reigning world champion put in a dominant performance to edge out Mercedes’ George Russell, who was an impressive 0.243s behind in second place.
Verstappen was in imperious form throughout qualifying, setting the fastest time in Q1 and Q2 before putting in a stunning lap in Q3 to secure pole. The Dutchman’s time of 1:03.621 was over half a second faster than anyone else on track, underlining his dominance at the Red Bull Ring.
Russell, who had been pushing Verstappen hard all weekend, was left to rue a small mistake on his final lap that cost him the chance of a first pole position for Mercedes. Nevertheless, the young Briton will start the race from a strong second position, ahead of his teammate Lewis Hamilton, who qualified third.
The rest of the top 10 was dominated by Ferrari, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc qualifying fourth and fifth respectively. Sergio Perez, who is looking to bounce back from a disappointing qualifying performance at Silverstone, could only manage sixth place for Red Bull ahead of the Alpine team of Esteban Ocon and Fernando Alonso.
Verstappen’s dominance at the Red Bull Ring
Verstappen’s pole position is his fifth at the Red Bull Ring, extending his remarkable record at the track. The Dutchman has now won four of the five races held at the Spielberg circuit, with his only defeat coming in 2021 when he crashed out of the lead. Verstappen’s dominance at the Red Bull Ring is a testament to his sheer speed and ability to extract the maximum from his car.
The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix is set to be a thrilling race, with Verstappen starting from pole position and looking to extend his championship lead. Russell and Mercedes will be determined to challenge for the win, while Ferrari and Red Bull’s second driver Sergio Perez will also be in the hunt for a podium finish.
The race gets underway at 2pm BST on Sunday 2nd July. Don’t miss all the action from the Red Bull Ring.
Kind regards A. Guthof.
