George Russell edged past teammate Kimi Antonelli in final practice of the Austrian GP, keeping Mercedes competitive at the Red Bull Ring.
Stirring Final Practice
The final session began under a stifling Styrian heat, with temperatures climbing beyond 30 °C. Lando Norris launched the session, setting a 1m07.832 lap that was the first benchmark for the weekend.
Antonelli’s first lap of 1m07.533 moved Mercedes into the lead, followed by Charles Leclerc’s 1m07.688 that left Russell behind. Max Verstappen’s upgraded RB22 held the fourth spot, and the top four were all within three tenths of the pace.
The Mercedes Duel
As the session progressed, Russell tightened the gap, hitting 1m07.134 seconds only 0.038 ahead of Antonelli. Antonelli responded with a 1m07.134 lap, pushing the gap wider before Russell reclaimed position with a final 1m07.096 lap that left the Italian 0.038 slower.
Russell’s race notes highlighted “really bad straight‑line braking on the front axle” into Turn 3, an issue that widened the gap at the Italian’s aggressive 1m07.134 lap. The exchange kept the intra‑team battle racing into the last few minutes.
Hamilton’s Rising Stakes
Lewis Hamilton finished the session in third with 1m07.211, a mere 0.077 seconds shy of Antonelli. His improvement followed a sessions where Ferrari struggled for grip, particularly in the front ends of the turns.
Leclerc’s worst early time cost him a midfield spot, as he locked up after Turn 3, unable to capitalize on his 1m07.688 benchmark to move into the pits.
Midfield and Backmarker Dynamics
The midfield showcased a mix of up‑and‑down movement. Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad from Racing Bulls cut into the top 10, followed closely by Alpine’s Pierre Gasly. Audi’s drivers appeared poised for points contention.
Aston Martin’s drivers struggled, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll trailing behind Haas, Williams and Cadillac. Isack Hadjar of Red Bull finished eighth, frustrated by a car that “locked up repeatedly in Turns 1 and 3.”
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