Russell Tops Verstappen in Austria’s First Practice

Mercedes Driver Edges Red Bull in Early Showdown

The Austrian Grand Prix kicked off with a bang as George Russell of Mercedes bested Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in the initial practice session. This early duel sets the stage for an exciting weekend, hinting at a potential shift in the Formula 1 hierarchy.

Close Competition at the Red Bull Ring

Russell, who sparked conversation about Mercedes’ interest in Verstappen, finished 0.065 seconds ahead of the Red Bull star. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri secured third place, with an impressive showing from 19-year-old Alex Dunne, representing Ireland, in the second McLaren. Dunne, a member of McLaren’s young driver program, was just 0.069 seconds off Piastri’s pace.

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“I want to go out there and prove myself,” said Alex Dunne after the session.

—Alex Dunne, Driver

Recent data shows that overtaking in Formula 1 has decreased in recent years, with the average number of overtakes per race dropping from 50 in 2018 to 35 in 2023 (Formula 1 Stats).

Team Upgrades and Track Conditions

Both McLaren and Red Bull brought upgrades to the Red Bull Ring. McLaren introduced new front suspension, designed to work with a front wing first tested in Canada. Red Bull has a new floor edge, and Ferrari, where Lewis Hamilton was ninth, has a redesigned floor, their first update since Bahrain in April.

Pierre Gasly of Alpine secured fifth position, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber and the Williams drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. The practice session offered a glimpse of potential strategies and performance upgrades for the race.