Obviously, Ferrari had issues in data correlation from the wind tunnel, simulator and on-track behaviour, they found that out last week in France, and sorting that out - they look promising this weekend.
After a long time, we had Ferrari domination in qualifying. unfortunately, Vettel had cooling liquid problems and had to retire in Q3, so he qualified as 10th on the grid.
Kvyat almost killed someone (read: George Russel), but his hot lap that he eventually fucked up, with a near miss in the final corner resulted him to qualify as P17. Few minutes earlier Hamilton impeded hot lap of Kimi Raikkonen, so he received a three-place grid penalty, and Sainz didn't bother getting into Q3, since he will be starting from pit lane due to the engine penalty. Given all of this together - Yesterday's qualifying we had lots of Exciting things, and both FP1 and FP2 brought out several crashes and damaged front wings. Magnussen also qualified superb 5th but due to 5 places penalty for gearbox change in FP3 he will start from 10th place.
Top 10 starting in several hours:
| 1 Lecler | 2 Verstappen |
|---|---|
| 3 Bottas | 4 Hamilton |
| 5 Norris | 6 Raikkonen |
| 7 Giovanazzi | 8 Gasly |
| 9 Vettel | 10 Magnussen |
What can we expect from the race?
Lightning start and slicing through the field from Vettel?
An awesome battle between two Mercedes with Bottas leading the way and proper fight between them - I don't think so. But it is finally interesting to see Mercedes starting from the second row for the first time this year.
Maiden victory for an awesome youngster? Lecler was close to getting his win in Bahrein but bad luck caught him out. Will this be his day? There is certainly no Vettel nearby, and team orders won't affect his race!
First victory for Max Verstappen & RB Honda this year? We know Max has the ability and skill to start furiously. Can he provide lightning start and don't crack under pressure from Merc and Ferrari.
PROPER RACING - Ferrari is starting their race on the soft compound, while Verstappen & Mercedes opted for start on medium - it's always nice to have different team strategies and for sure it promises an exciting race.
Fight between McLaren and Alpha Romeo for 5/6th place or possible podium - no matter what place the fight will be for Austrian GP looks promising. And it was entertaining from FP1
All photos are mine ©svemirac.
