In Pictures: Austria 2026
Formula 1 headed to Red Bull's home turf as teams competed in the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, a 2.688-mile (4.326-km) circuit featuring just 10 corners. The Austrian track is fast, characterized by significant elevation changes and heavy braking zones, and sits 2,165 feet (660 meters) above sea level. It is a classic "stop-and-go" circuit, where hard braking and rapid acceleration follow one another in quick succession.
The Red Bull Ring features an elevation change of 207 feet (63 meters), making it one of the most undulating circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Another defining characteristic is its altitude. At more than 2,000 feet (600 meters) above sea level, the thinner air generates less aerodynamic downforce, reducing drag while also making cooling more challenging for both the power unit and brakes.
The Austrian Grand Prix was held for the 39th time. After the inaugural race at Zeltweg in 1964, the event moved near its current location in 1970. Eighteen editions were staged at what was then known as the Österreichring through 1987, before the race returned following a 10-year hiatus. In addition, the Red Bull Ring hosted two editions of the Styrian Grand Prix in 2020 and 2021, organized to help complete the Formula 1 calendar during the COVID-19 pandemic.
FRIDAY
Kimi Antonelli was the fastest driver on Friday in Austria. Temperatures at the Red Bull Ring climbed to 95°F (35°C) ambient and 127°F (53°C) on track, conditions that did not prevent teams from making full use of all three available tire compounds. In fact, every compound was used during both FP1 and FP2.
During the opening session, drivers initially focused on the Medium (C4) and Hard (C3) compounds. Red Bull was the only team to head out immediately on the Soft (C5). By the end of FP1, however, every driver had completed at least one run on the softest compound.
While tire usage was evenly balanced during the first hour, teams favored the Medium and Soft compounds in FP2. Antonelli set the fastest lap on the C5 with a time of 1:07.014. Oscar Piastri finished second, just over two-tenths behind, while Lando Norris ended the day third fastest.
SATURDAY
Controversy and confusion defined qualifying. George Russell, who had topped the final practice session, set a last-minute lap of 1:06.113 in Q3 after yellow flags were shown following Max Verstappen's crash between Turns 9 and 10. Russell said he had lifted sufficiently before continuing to complete the lap, and the stewards agreed, allowing the time to stand despite widespread surprise among his rivals.
Russell's pole-winning lap was just over two-tenths quicker than Charles Leclerc's, while Lewis Hamilton secured third on the grid with a 1:06.408.
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli qualified fourth after lifting for the yellow flags and abandoning what had looked to be a very competitive lap. Verstappen will start fifth despite crashing on his final flying lap, as his earlier effort was still good enough to secure that position on the grid.
SUNDAY
George Russell won the Austrian Grand Prix thanks to a well-executed two-stop strategy. The Mercedes driver crossed the finish line ahead of Max Verstappen, with the Red Bull driver holding off Kimi Antonelli to secure second place. The Italian nevertheless retained the lead in the Drivers' Championship.
The race at Spielberg was held in extreme heat. Temperatures at the Red Bull Ring reached 97°F (36°C), while the track temperature measured 131°F (55°C) at the start of the Grand Prix.
Russell took the checkered flag 1.611 seconds ahead of Verstappen, while Antonelli finished just over three-tenths of a second behind the four-time world champion.
From Friday's practice sessions through a dramatic qualifying and a hard-fought Grand Prix, the Austrian weekend delivered plenty of memorable moments. Enjoy our selection of photographs capturing the atmosphere, action, and emotion from the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix.
Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A., Getty Images, and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Used for editorial purposes only. Not for sale.
