Seb out in Q2, Bottas on pole

Bottas hangs on to Austria pole ahead of Hamilton despite big spin on his final lap; Ferrari endure a desperate start to season with Vettel out in Q2

Bottas set an early marker with a new track record, pipping Hamilton after the opening salvos. The Finn looked immense in the first sector on the second run, but threw it all away as he lost control of the car and bounced across the track before re-joining.

That opened the door for Hamilton to take advantage, the Briton running last on track, and while he did improve on his first effort, he couldn’t quite make the difference, finishing 0.012s off Bottas’ pace.

Max Verstappen, winner of the last two Austrian Grands Prix, was third, albeit it nearly half a second off the pace, but the Red Bull driver will fancy his chances of spoiling the Mercedes party on Sunday, given he’ll be starting on the more durable medium tyre with everyone else in the top 10 on the softs.

Lando Norris does an amazing job finishing on P4, splitting the two RedBulls. His more popular team mate Carlos Sainz finishing P8.

Racing Point as expected punched above their weight with Sergio and Lance finishing in P6 and P9 respectively.

Biggest shocker of the day was the four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel not even reaching Q3. That Ferrari was not in prime form was no surprise to anyone. However even with low expectations this was a shocker. Charles saved the blushes for Ferrari finishing in P7.

Expect a scintillating race on Sunday at the Red Bull Ring!!!