Russell on pole for Austrian Grand Prix as qualifying ends with Verstappen crash
Mercedes driver George Russell secured pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix after a qualifying session disrupted by Max Verstappen's crash, with the race set for Sunday at 3:00 pm CEST under hot, dry conditions.
George Russell claimed pole for Sunday's Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring after a qualifying session that ended with Max Verstappen crashing and a yellow-flag incident. Russell avoided a post-session investigation despite setting his fastest lap under yellow flags. Charles Leclerc qualified second, while Lewis Hamilton took third. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli started fourth after the session was halted, limiting his chance to improve his time.
The race is scheduled for 3:00 pm CEST on June 28, with local practice sessions on June 26 and 27. The FIA's Heat Hazard remains in effect, and officials expect hot, sunny and dry weather, making tyre management and driver cooling critical factors.
In the United States, the event will be streamed free on Apple TV as part of a one-race promotion, with all sessions also available on the global F1 TV subscription service. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the race live, with streaming via Sky Go or NOW and highlights on Channel 4. Motorsport.com will provide live updates throughout the weekend.
"Apple TV is the primary broadcast partner for the 2026 season, with all sessions available on the platform following a multi-year deal," the service said.
"Sky Sports continues as the championship’s exclusive broadcaster in the UK, showing every session live throughout the 2026 season," a Sky spokesperson added.
The Red Bull Ring is a short, fast circuit featuring long straights, heavy braking zones and a final sector where traffic and track limits often become decisive.