Max Verstappen on pole for Austrian Grand Prix as Lando Norris starts second but Lewis Hamilton back in fourth

MAX VERSTAPPEN starts on pole for the Austrian Grand Prix with title rival Lewis Hamilton back in fourth.

It was an incredible afternoon for Lando Norris, who starts on the front row in second.

Max Verstappen has won the last two Grand Prix and starts on poleLewis Hamilton is looking to close the gap on his title rival – but must do so from fourth

Sergio Perez is third with Hamilton sitting ahead of his Mercedes team-mate Valterri Bottas who is fifth.

George Russell impressed in the Williams, with the qualifying specialist making it into Q3.

He then managed to qualify in ninth for Sunday’s race.

The Brit yelled over the radio: “Yes!!! On the mediums!! Come on boys!!”

Fans were supporting the Dutchman at Red Bull’s home Grand Prix in Austria

Lando Norris enjoyed a fine afternoon

It was a bad afternoon for Ferrari however, with Carlos Sainz and Charles LeClerc coming 11th and 12th respectively.

Daniel Ricciardio in the McLaren also endured a tough day, coming 13th despite team-mate Norris doing so well.

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The drivers head into Sunday’s race with Hamilton desperate to claw back some ground on rival Verstappen.

The reigning champion trails the Dutchman by 18 points.

Last weekend at the Styrian Grand Prix, which is held at the same track as this weekend’s, Verstappen won the race at a canter.

Mercedes have gone four races without victory with Red Bull looking increasingly dominant as the season progresses.