Austrian Grand Prix: Quotes after qualifying

Elaina Russell
8 hours ago
2 min read

Written by Elaina Russell

Credit: fia.com | Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri line up after qualifying at the Red Bull Ring

Lando Norris will start from pole position at the Austrian Grand Prix after a confident qualifying performance at the Red Bull Ring. The McLaren driver delivered a 1:03.971 to lead a top three of Charles Leclerc and team-mate Oscar Piastri.

McLaren looked in control throughout the session, while Ferrari made an important step forward with Leclerc’s second-place grid slot. It was a breakthrough day for Gabriel Bortoleto, who reached Q3 for the first time in his Formula One career, but qualifying also brought disappointment for several big names - including Carlos Sainz, who exited in Q1.

Part Fermé Reactions:

Credit: Formula 1 | Lando Norris celebrates after pole position in Qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix

Speaking in parc fermé, Norris reflected on a well-executed session:

”And when I plan to do something and it goes right, it normally goes very, very well. So yeah, very happy.”

Charles Leclerc, who returns to the front row for the first time since Monaco, praised the team’s perseverance:

“It’s been a long time since…it’s been a difficult season overall, but the team have kept pushing.”

Oscar Piastri, starting just behind his team-mate, made it clear he’s aiming higher on Sunday:

“I’m not planning on finishing third, that’s for sure.”

Press Conference:

Credit: Formula 1 | Leclerc back on the front row in Austria

In the post-qualifying press conference, Norris reiterated the importance of building momentum:

”It’s very satisfying, but, again, it’s about consistency. Everyone can be a hero in one weekend…I did it today, and that’s what mattered.”

Leclerc is looking to challenge both McLarens tomorrow:

”I’ll do everything to put more pressure than usual on those two guys. We have Oscar behind with a little bit of luck today, but tomorrow, try and look forward and see what’s possible.”

Piastri was left slightly frustrated, feeling there was more in the car:

”It’s not the easiest track to hook up even though it’s short, and I just kind of felt like I didn’t quite do that today. So, a bit of a shame.”