The Austrian Grand Prix qualifying session was a highly chaotic one.
Lewis Hamilton was unable to qualify in the top three, Red Bull beat both the Mercedes, and Sebastian Vettel‘s grid penalty was unexpected.
But between all the chaos, Lando Norris managed to secure a place in the front row.
Front row start was a highlight
Norris’ front row seat was the best start in the Brit’s career so far.
Additionally, this was also the first front-row start for McLaren since Brazil 2018.
This also goes to prove that Mercedes’ powerful engine in the Woking-based team’s rear is good enough to compete for the title.
Norris was surprisingly just 48 thousandths slower than race leader Max Verstappen. This is a stark contrast to Mercedes saying that the Red Bull engine is far superior.
What did Christian Horner say?
Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner took the opportunity to banter Mercedes’ accusations.
“That was very close against McLaren. I mean, this Mercedes engine obviously runs well in the rear of McLaren, because its speed on the straights was extremely strong,” he said with a smile.
“I’m sure they will play a role in the race.
“Of course we don’t know what the weather is going to do, so we have to be prepared to be able to respond.
“But it’s great to have both cars on the grid in front of the Mercedes. That’s a great starting position,” he concluded.
Red Bull looking for another win
Max Verstappen is currently at the top of his game. This comes after he secured consistent poles for the Milton Keynes outfit.
This led Red Bull to achieve their first hat-trick of poles since 2013.
Sergio Perez had a difficult start to the weekend but managed to secure P3 placing both the Red Bulls ahead of the Mercedes.
McLaren’s Lando Norris places between the two Red Bulls and will start the race next to Verstappen in the first row.
Lewis Hamilton will start with Perez in the second row while Valtteri Bottas will start from P5, behind Perez.
Will this be an easy win for Red Bull? Only time will tell.
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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