George Russell delivered a standout qualifying performance Saturday in Spielberg, Austria, putting Mercedes at the top of the grid for the Formula One Austrian Grand Prix.
The British driver edged out Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, who claimed second and third on the starting grid respectively. The result extended Mercedes’ remarkable run, marking the eighth straight race in which the team has claimed pole position.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli, also driving for Mercedes, will start Sunday’s race from fourth place.
Russell had previously taken pole at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix two weeks earlier. His final qualifying lap — the one that ultimately put him ahead of Leclerc — came under scrutiny after Max Verstappen crashed out during that same lap, raising questions about a possible double-yellow flag violation.
Officials launched an investigation into the matter, but it was later closed without any penalty.
Speaking after qualifying, Russell addressed the situation directly. “It was a single yellow and should be okay,” he said.
