Russell on Austrian GP pole as yellow-flag questions follow Verstappen crash

George Russell took pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix with a final qualifying lap that moved him ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver’s lap came after Max Verstappen had crashed at Turn Nine, creating questions over the yellow-flag conditions Russell passed through.

The source reports that trackside light boards initially showed a single yellow, while race-control messaging also referenced a later double-yellow status. An FIA spokesperson said the signal was upgraded only after Russell and team-mate Kimi Antonelli had already passed the incident area.

Russell said he slowed for the yellow-flag zone and believed his lap was compliant. Antonelli, running just ahead, did not improve after backing off and later said he thought the situation required him to abandon the attempt.

Leclerc will start second, with Hamilton third and Antonelli fourth. Verstappen’s earlier lap was still enough for fifth despite the crash, followed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad completed the top 10.