BACK IN BLACK... BOTTAS POLE AS MERCEDES ROMP

LEWIS HAMILTON and Valtteri Bottas put the returning F1 world on notice in Austria yesterday – they’re back and blisteringly fast.

The pair are now in Mercedes’ new all-black livery, showing the team’s support for anti-racism.

And Bottas was the fastest, 0.012seconds ahead of defending champion Hamilton. The Spielberg track’s tricky 10 corners made for a ding-dong final qualifier around F1’s fastest circuit – and Kimi Raikkonen’s long-standing lap record looks certain to be eclipsed by the Mercedes pair today.

But Sebastian Vettel, one of the pre-race favourites in a revitalised Ferrari, missed the final shootout. He said: “I am shocked. I thought we had much more to offer. But I am not happy with the car.”

Hamilton, who later survived a ‘yellow flag’ enquiry, said: “Valtteri did a grand job, a great team result – I am happy to be where I am.” Looking fitter and more muscular than ever, the six-time champion added: “As for the new season... late as it is... it is great to be back!”

Hamilton, who addressed drivers at a meeting on Friday, says the reluctance of some to ‘take a knee’ before today’s race is down to a lack of understanding of racism.

He said: “I described the scenario that silence is complicit. There is some silence in some cases.”

CLOSEST RIVALS Hamilton and Bottas keep a safe gap after (main) Bottas roared to pole