Sebastian Vettel congratulates Charles Leclerc
Sebastian Vettel congratulates Charles Leclerc

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc claims pole position in Austrian Grand Prix


Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished fastest in the final practice session for the Austrian Grand Prix.

The young Monegasque edged out Lewis Hamilton by just 0.143 seconds, with Valtteri Bottas third in the sister Mercedes.

Sebastian Vettel ended the final running before the battle for pole position in fourth, the top four covered by 0.263 sec.

Ferrari's Leclerc will start on pole position for the second time in his career with Hamilton facing a grid penalty.

Leclerc blew away the field at the Red Bull Ring to leave the opposition trailing in his wake.

Hamilton set the second fastest time, but is set to be hauled in front of the stewards for allegedly blocking Alfa Romeo driver Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel's torrid time continued after a mechanical issue ruled him out of the pole shootout.

The German, already 72 points behind Hamilton in the championship race, did not set a lap, and is set to start from 10th.

Hamilton has been called to the see the stewards at 1700.

"I saw one of the Alfa Romeo cars and as I was braking for the hairpin, I saw the other car coming," he said.

"I got off the brakes to try and get out of his way. I don't think I met them in the corner but it may have put them off. It wasn't ideal."

Like what you've read?

MOST READ

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content
We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo