Red Bull’s Max Verstappen set an impressive pace in first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix before qualifying at this ‘sprint’ event. The world championship leader was 0.255 seconds quicker than Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Qualifying sets the grid for a short race on Saturday that defines starting positions for the main grand prix. Haas driver Kevin Magnussen was fifth fastest, followed by the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso’s Alpine – using the medium tyres while everyone else at the front set their times on the softs – and the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez. The session featured two red flags, one while Lando Norris’ McLaren was removed after breaking down after Turn Four, and a second because of debris on the track.

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