Kimi Antonelli dominated both practice sessions at the Red Bull Ring on Friday, setting the fastest times ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in their McLarens. The Italian driver leads the championship standings and arrives in Austria with strong momentum.
Hamilton's Ferrari form continues
Lewis Hamilton secured his first victory for Ferrari at the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, adding to two second-place finishes in the previous three races. The seven-time world champion now sits second in the drivers' standings, closing the gap to leader Antonelli. Both George Russell and Antonelli have identified Hamilton as a key threat in the title fight.
However, Ferrari faced a potential setback as the FIA opened an investigation into Hamilton's rear-braking system after the Barcelona race. The outcome could impact the team's performance in Austria.
Brundle's Sky exit and qualifying build-up
Martin Brundle has shared a message regarding his departure from Sky Sports F1 coverage, though details remain scarce. The former driver and popular commentator has been a mainstay of the network's broadcasts for years.
Qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix is scheduled for later today, with Antonelli aiming to secure pole position. Express Sport will provide live updates and highlights throughout the weekend.
Championship battle heats up
The 2026 season has seen a tight battle at the top, with Antonelli leading Hamilton by a narrow margin. Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren's Lando Norris remain in contention, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has struggled for consistency.
According to team insiders, tyre degradation and track temperatures will be critical factors at the Red Bull Ring, a circuit known for its short lap time and high-speed corners.
