Bottas takes pole in opener
AUSTRIAN GP Finnish driver pips teammate Hamilton to complete Mercedes one-two on starting grid
SPIELBERG: Valtteri Bottas upstaged Mercedes teammate Lewis Hamilton on Saturday to take pole position for Formula One’s season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.
The Finnish driver edged out the world champion by .012 seconds at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. He clenched his fist as he climbed out of his car and shared a hug with Hamilton.
“It’s something special when you push the car to the limit,” said Bottas, who is chasing an eighth career win. “Feels so good. It’s very impressive (from the team).”
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen was third and Lando Norris gave Mclaren a boost by finishing fourth. Verstappen has won the past two years here, including 2019 when he started third behind Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
“It’s going to be interesting quite a bit warmer tomorrow and hopefully this will play to our advantage,” Verstappen said after the qualifying. “Today, Mercedes was on a different level, unfortunately. Last year we were also a little bit off in qualifying so I expect we will be a bit better in the race.”
Bottas had the leading time when drivers embarked on their final laps and beat his own mark before sliding off the track into the gravel.
Hamilton was chasing a record-extending 89th career pole. He was ahead but then dropped off slightly as Bottas secured a 12th career pole.
“Great job by Valtteri. It’s a great start to the season,” Hamilton said. “We show year on year that we continue to be the best team. We’re open-minded ... constantly learning from each other and pushing the boundaries.”
Ferrari struggled for speed, with Leclerc nearly one second behind in seventh and Sebastian Vettel failing to make it into the third and final part of qualifying, known as Q3. He starts the race from 11th on the grid.
Vettel is leaving Ferrari at the end of the season with his future in F1 uncertain.
Earlier, Hamilton posted the fastest time in morning practice. The 35-year-old British driver was also quickest in both sessions on Friday.
Midway through third practice, F1 newcomer Nicholas Latifi misjudged the exit of a turn and spun his Williams car into a protective tire wall.
DRIVERS TO SUPPORT FIGHT AGAINST RACISM Formula One drivers are united in the fight against racism but will each take their own stance ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, their association said.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) said the drivers had held several virtual meetings to agree how best to show collective support.