As usual, reigning two-time champion Max Verstappen will start in front for tomorrow's Sprint Race of the Austrian Grand Prix. However, the two Ferrari drivers put up a valiant and surprising fight against the dominant Red Bull driver.
Charles Leclerc nearly pulled off a stunning upset by going 0.048 seconds within the pole position, pushing the Ferrari SF-23 to the absolute limit.
Meanwhile, teammate Carlos Sainz Jr. has qualified third, capping off a strong day for the Prancing Horse team.
Just half a tenth from Pole! 🤏 a strong Quali from our boys! 👏#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 pic.twitter.com/bxn4jO4NLY
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) June 30, 2023
"We've put ourselves in a good position for Sunday to get a podium with both cars," the Spanish driver said in the post-qualifying interview.
Ferrari had only seen the podium once this season when Leclerc finished third in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.
Lando Norris of McLaren came in fourth, while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes rounded up the top five.
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Sergio Perez's Struggles Continue
Mexican driver Sergio Perez has continued his struggles in qualifying, failing to get out of Q2 for the fourth race in a row despite driving arguably the fastest car on the grid.
Perez has his lap time deleted again 👀
The Mexican driver is out in Q2 ❌#AustrianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/uYpLmE4Rq2— Formula 1 (@F1) June 30, 2023
In contrasting events, his teammate Verstappen claimed his fourth pole position in a row and his fifth overall this season.
While not necessarily slow, Perez had several of his lap times deleted for exceeding track limits, earning the frustration of Red Bull team principal Christian Horner.
George Russell also failed to get to Q3 for Mercedes, claiming 11th place.
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