F1 | Austrian GP, ​​free practice: Verstappen in the lead, Ferrari chasing with Sainz and Leclerc

F1 GP Austria free practice – While waiting for qualifying which will start this afternoon, Max Verstappen ended the first and only free practice session valid for the Austrian Grand Prix, the tenth round of the 2023 Formula 1 world championship, in command. Despite some small problems on the set-up front , which required more than one intervention from the mechanics between one run and another, the Dutchman confirmed the expectations of the day before, obtaining the best time in 1'05"742, about two tenths faster than the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.

It should be noted that the Dutchman, unlike the two Ferrari drivers (the other Ferrari of Charles Leclerc placed behind Sainz), who took to the track with the already soft compound, obtained the time on the medium tyre, confirming of the excellent balance found by the RB19 during the session. The performance of the SF-23 was also good, especially in terms of tire consumption: in the few runs carried out, Sainz and Leclerc managed to show a good pace, obtaining interesting results with all the compounds used. A positive situation that the team will also have to confirm later this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.

Fourth place for Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes, fast and concrete in every run carried out this morning, followed by Sergio Perez - who appeared more at ease compared to the last race weekends - Kevin Magnussen and Lance Stroll, who left himself behind behind him was teammate Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin worked mainly on the harder tires) and the other Mercedes of George Russell. Closing the top ten list is Alfa Romeo driven by Guanyu Zhou. Lando Norris's McLaren came last, even if the Englishman - who took to the track with a substantial package of updates - dedicated himself mainly to data collection, postponing the real attack to time.

Meet at 17.00pm for the first qualifying session valid for this weekend at the Red Bull Ring. This afternoon's times will establish the starting order for the actual race scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 15.00pm. Tomorrow, however, the Shoout-Out qualification useful for the "starting grid" of the Sprint Race.

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Here's how we're shaping up ahead of qualifying…#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/6dTQBl6Q2X

- Formula 1 (@ F1) June 30, 2023