P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen ground to a halt in the sole practice session at the Austrian Grand Prix – before quickly returning to the track and later setting the fastest time
Max Verstappen experienced an engine fault during the Austrian Grand Prix’s free practice session, leading to a red flag situation. Despite this setback, Red Bull promptly resolved the issue, allowing Verstappen to return to the track and secure a competitive time in qualifying simulation. Sergio Perez, however, faced difficulties and ended up in 12th place. McLaren showcased strong performance tweaks, with Piastri’s impressive run and Norris’s near miss in qualifying simulation. Mercedes performed well with Hamilton leading on hard tires, hinting at a potential pole position threat for sprint qualifying. Ferrari, though briefly in top positions, settled behind the leading teams, while Alpine’s Esteban Ocon showcased strong midfield pace.
