FRIDAY DEBRIEF: Can anyone spoil Verstappen and Red Bull’s Austrian GP homecoming as the Sprint format returns?

Max Verstappen delighted his legion of loyal fans, who once again packed out the joint at the Red Bull Ring, with his fourth consecutive pole position for Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. But he didn’t have it easy – here are the key stories from the opening day of track action…
Even track limits can’t stop Verstappen march
We’ve often heard Max Verstappen complain about his car during practice, only to stick it on pole position when it matters in qualifying – and the same happened in Austria as he overcame an initially understeery Red Bull RB19 to take pole.

Unlock exclusive F1 content and more with F1 Unlocked. Totally free.
Membership gets you closer with:
Curated insider content
Live like an F1 insider with exclusive access and VIP experiences
Member benefits, rewards and offers
Next Up
Related Articles
Hulkenberg revels in ‘incredible’ maiden F1 podium
'One of the most difficult races of my career' – Leclerc
Hamilton admits Ferrari was ‘very hard to drive’ at Silverstone
All the key moments from the 2025 British GP
Facts and StatsLucky 13 for Norris at rain-hit Silverstone
Verstappen reflects on ‘very difficult’ British GP