GP Austria F1: Russell takes pole in controversial quali; Bortoleto is 12th

British George Russell, from Mercedes, took pole position for the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix this Saturday (27). Qualifying training was marked by controversy, with the driver securing first position on the grid ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both from Ferrari, in the final moments.

The main controversy occurred in the last seconds of Q3. Red Bull's Max Verstappen spun on the track, causing a yellow flag. George Russell took advantage of the situation to record the fastest time, much to the discontent of the Ferrari team, which saw Charles Leclerc lose pole.

A subsequent analysis by the organization confirmed pole position for Russell, who finished with 1min06s113. Charles Leclerc scored 1min06s349 and Lewis Hamilton, 1min06s408. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) ended the session in 12th place on the grid.

Q1 Highlights
The first part of qualifying training, Q1, did not present any major surprises. Italian Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) finished with the best time, 1min07s083, followed by Lando Norris (McLaren) and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari).

New Zealander Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) performed well, achieving the fourth fastest time. Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) ended Q1 in 12th position. The following were eliminated in this stage: Carlos Sainz (Williams), Alexander Albon (Williams), Sérgio Pérez (Cadillac), Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin).

Q2 and the elimination of Bortoleto
Q2 saw Antonelli again in the lead, with 1min06s083, followed by Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Lando Norris and George Russell (Mercedes). Lewis Hamilton secured the fifth best time. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) was below expectations, flirting with elimination and finishing only in 10th time.

Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi) failed to advance to Q3, repeating 12th position with 1min07s293. Those eliminated in Q2 were: Pierre Gasly (Alpine), Oliver Bearman (Haas), Nico Hülkenberg (Audi), Esteban Ocon (Haas) and Franco Colapinto (Alpine).

Complete starting grid for the Austrian GP
1. George Russell (ENG/Mercedes), 1min06s113

2. Charles Leclerc (MON/Ferrari), 1min06s349

3. Lewis Hamilton (ING/Ferrari), 1min06s408

4. Kimi Antonelli (ITA/Mercedes), 1min06s414

5. Max Verstappen (HOL/Red Bull), 1min06s475

6. Lando Norris (ING/McLaren), 1min06s502

7. Oscar Piastri (AUS/McLaren), 1min06s511

8. Isack Hadjar (FRA/Red Bull), 1min06s632

9. Liam Dawson (NZL/Racing Bulls), 1min06s955

10. Arvid Lindblad (ENG/Racing Bulls), 1min07s007

11. Pierre Gasly (FRA/Alpine), 1min07s223

12. Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA/Audi), 1min07s293

13. Oliver Bearman (ING/Haas), 1min05s523

14. Nico Hülkenberg (ALE/Audi), 1min07s611

15. Esteban Ocon (FRA/Haas), 1min07s817

16. Franco Colapinto (ARG/Alpine), 1min08s171

17. Carlos Sainz (ESP/Williams), 1min08s252

18. Alexander Albon (TAI/Williams), 1min08s509

19. Sérgio Pérez (MEX/Cadillac), 1min08s945

20. Valtteri Bottas (FIN/Cadillac), 1min09s030

22. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Aston Martin), 1min09s942

22. Lance Stroll (CAN/Aston Martin), 1min10s363

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Source: CNN