FRIDAY DEBRIEF: Why Verstappen might not have it all his own way in Austria


Max Verstappen may be starting on pole in a Sprint for the eighth time in 14 attempts and second time in a row – but he faced an impressive challenge from friend and rival Lando Norris in the McLaren at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.
The papaya-clad cars, sporting front wing and front suspension upgrades this weekend, looked like a real threat to the reigning world champion through practice and in Sprint Qualifying – and that means Verstappen might not have it all his own way…
READ MORE: Verstappen pips Norris to Sprint Qualifying pole in Austria by 0.093s
Next Up
Related Articles
Williams show off their new livery for 2026 F1 season
Komatsu admits Haas ‘expected more’ from Ocon in 2025
Why Hadjar’s mum knew about Red Bull seat before he did
Russell impressed by ‘pretty spectacular’ Aston Martin
Hamilton feels ‘winning mentality’ at Ferrari ‘more than ever’
Doohan joins Haas as reserve driver for 2026
