Kimi Antonelli tops Austrian GP practice as Mercedes lock 1‑2
Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli set the pace in the opening free‑practice session for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix, recording a lap of 1:07.796. He finished 0.04 seconds ahead of team‑mate George Russell, giving Mercedes a one‑two on the time‑sheet. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) was third, Max Verstappen (Red Bull) fourth and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) fifth.
The session was run in extreme heat, with ambient temperatures around 30‑32 °C and track surface temperatures near 50 °C, prompting a FIA heat‑warning and the mandatory use of driver cooling vests. Several teams faced technical hiccups: Verstappen suffered two anti‑stall stops in the pit lane, Lando Norris dealt with a hydraulic leak, and other drivers encountered brake or power‑unit issues.
Ahead of the race, Red Bull flagged a “large risk” that the FIA’s ADUO (Additional Development Upgrade Opportunity) ruling could prevent them from introducing further engine upgrades this season, potentially leaving the team at a performance disadvantage compared with rivals such as Mercedes and Ferrari.