FRIDAY DEBRIEF: Can anyone spoil Verstappen and Red Bull’s Austrian GP homecoming as the Sprint format returns?

Max Verstappen delighted his legion of loyal fans, who once again packed out the joint at the Red Bull Ring, with his fourth consecutive pole position for Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix. But he didn’t have it easy – here are the key stories from the opening day of track action…
Even track limits can’t stop Verstappen march
We’ve often heard Max Verstappen complain about his car during practice, only to stick it on pole position when it matters in qualifying – and the same happened in Austria as he overcame an initially understeery Red Bull RB19 to take pole.
Next Up
Related Articles
The 5 most dramatic storylines of 2026 so far
UnlockedHow an unraced Newey McLaren compares to Aston Martin’s car
UnlockedF1 UNLOCKED: WIN A PUMA x F1 FOOTBALL JERSEY
Bearman admits he cannot wait years for Ferrari call
Inside Liam Lawson's life away from the track
The F1 Power Rankings at the halfway stage of 2026
