Austrian GP FP1: Antonelli Leads Mercedes 1-2 Ahead of Piastri

Kimi Antonelli set the pace in Free Practice 1 for the Austrian Grand Prix, leading a Mercedes one-two ahead of teammate George Russell. Oscar Piastri was third for McLaren, with Max Verstappen fourth for Red Bull.

Why it matters:

Opening practice offered the first real indication of relative pace ahead of qualifying and Sunday's race at the Red Bull Ring. Antonelli's performance continues Mercedes' strong 2026 campaign and immediately establishes the team as the one to beat this weekend. The session also provided an early read on how newer grid combinations are settling into their machinery.

The details:

• Antonelli posted a 1:07.796, just 0.040s clear of Russell in an all-Merc front row.
• Piastri finished third, 0.118s off the pace, with Verstappen a further 0.163s behind in fourth.
• Ferrari's fortunes: Lewis Hamilton took fifth, 0.665s adrift, while teammate Dino Beganovic ended the session in ninth.
• Rookie watch: Arvid Lindblad impressed with sixth for Racing Bulls, and Franco Colapinto secured eighth for Williams.
• Aston Martin and Cadillac struggled for pace, with Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso propping up the timesheets.

What's next:

Teams will analyze the data ahead of FP2 later today, when higher track temperatures could shuffle the order and reveal true race pace. With Mercedes locking out the top two spots, the pressure is on Red Bull and McLaren to close the gap before qualifying on Saturday.