Follow usWhen the chequered flag fell on Saturday it was Max Verstappen once again on top with more than a second in front of the pack, suggesting that the Dutchman is set for yet another trouble-free race en route to victory.
However, Fernando Alonso, who benefited from Hulkenberg 3-place grid drop and will start 2nd alongside Verstappen, strongly disagreed.
According to the Spaniard Aston Martin may have the race pace to challenger the Red Bull, which so far had it their own way in 2023.
“Let’s see,” Alonso said. “I think tomorrow we have a chance to put some pressure on them. They have had very easy wins until now and hopefully tomorrow they have to push a little bit more.”
Aston Martin sit third in the Constructors Championship, 18 points adrift from Mercedes, who leapfrogged them last time around in Spain. So if finishing ahead of Verstappen is more of a wish, being ahead of the Silver Arrows, who again look competitive, seems obligatory for the green cars.
Max Verstappen grabs Austria pole with lightning pace 
Verstappen wins Austria Sprint Race, both McLarens behind 
Verstappen clinches Sprint pole by 0.093 seconds 
