F1 Starting Grid in Austria: Leclerc shines, but Norris is the heavy favorite

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Lando Norris takes pole position by more than half a second and heads into the race as the clear favorite: here is the F1 Starting Grid in Austria.

Lando Norris celebrates, Charles Leclerc smiles, Oscar Piastri reflects: three different moods for three top drivers who will start from the first three positions of the Austrian Grand Prix, after another thrilling qualifying session on a circuit that takes just over 63 seconds to complete.

Behind them is a strong Lewis Hamilton, while Max Verstappen won’t be smiling: a yellow flag caused by Pierre Gasly ruined the Dutchman’s flying lap, meaning he’ll start only seventh — behind even Liam Lawson.

Major disappointment for Tsunoda, Sainz, and Hulkenberg, who surprisingly occupy the last three spots on the grid.

THE STARTING GRID

Here’s how the 20 best drivers in the world will line up:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:03.971
2. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.521
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.583
4. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – +0.611
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.792
6. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – +0.955
7. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) – +0.958
8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) – +1.161
9. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – +1.305
10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +1.678
11. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
12. Alexander Albon (Williams)
13. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
14. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
15. Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team)
16. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
17. Esteban Ocon (Haas F1 Team)
18. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing)
19. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
20. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)

Photo: McLaren