George Russell claimed his fourth pole position of the 2026 season in unusual circumstances at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Russell appeared to set his pole lap under double-waved yellows after Max Verstappen crashed at Turn 9, but was cleared and kept his lap, defeating Charles Leclerc into second place.
Lewis Hamilton is third whilst championship leader Kimi Antonelli will line-up from fourth ahead of Verstappen, who could yet drop into the pit-lane if substantial changes, such as a chassis change, are required.
Lando Norris was the lead McLaren in sixth, ahead of Oscar Piastri in seventh.
Check out the full 2026 F1 Austrian Grand Prix starting grid below!
NOTE: Grid remains provisional until officially confirmed by the FIA.
Full 2026 F1 Austrian Grand Prix starting grid
| Position | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| POLE | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 2. | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 3. | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 4. | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 5. | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 6. | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 7. | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 8. | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull |
| 9. | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 10. | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
| 11. | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 12. | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 13. | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 14. | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi |
| 15. | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 16. | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 17. | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 18. | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 19. | Sergio Perez | Cadillac |
| 20. | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 21. | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 22. | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
Also interesting:
Join RacingNews365's Nick Golding and Samuel Coop as they look ahead to this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix! The discuss if Lewis Hamilton can continue his fine form after entering the title fight and the importance of Red Bull having a strong event at home.
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