LEWIS HAMILTON SETS PACE IN AUSTRIA

Lewis Hamilton sets the pace in Austria – Photo: LAT

Lewis Hamilton has set the pace in practice ahead of this weekend Formula 1 Grand Prix in Austria.

The Mercedes driver topped both practice sessions on Red Bull’s home turf, being the first driver to drop into the 1:05’s at the Red Bull Ring.

Max Verstappen was on track to set the benchmark time in the first practice session, however a spin at Turn 3 on his fast lap cost him and he only managed to second fastest at the end of the session. It wasn’t his first mistake, he also tagged the wall Turn 7 earlier in the session.

The Red Bull driver wasn’t the only person finding the limits, with both Ferrari’s having also spinning in the first session as the track was lacking grip in opening practice.

The track had more grip in the second practice session and that was reflected in the times. Hamilton drop the mark to 1:05.483s on ultrasoft tyres, but complained about the power surge issues. Resulting in his Mercedes team changing his gearbox after practice. He’ll receive a five spot grid penalty after qualifying tomorrow.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel was the next fastest in the session, just off Hamilton’s pace. While Red Bull’s Verstappen spent a significant amount of time in the pits having a brake issue seen too.

Aussie Daniel Ricciardo finished both practice sessions in fifth.

F1 Austrian Grand Prix FP1 Result