Mercedes sets the pace in first Spielberg practice, Antonelli second

On Friday, a second practice session is scheduled for 17:00 local time. The FIA had issued a heat warning on Thursday due to forecast temperatures of up to 36 degrees Celsius. The drivers must expect a high physical strain in these conditions.

FIA heat warning and outlook

Qualifying for the Grand Prix of Styria is planned for Saturday, with the race itself taking place on Sunday at 15:00. Both sessions as well as qualifying will be broadcast live by ServusTV and Sky. The heat development at the Red Bull Ring remains a key factor for the teams' strategy.

While Mercedes impressed with balanced performances from both drivers, it remains to be seen how Red Bull and Ferrari will fare over the rest of the weekend. In particular, the question of whether Verstappen can shake off his early difficulties is likely to heighten the tension ahead of qualifying.

For Mercedes, the strong showing in first practice is an important signal in the battle at the front. Antonelli, who had already drawn attention several times this season with strong performances, once again underlined his immense talent. Russell rounded off the Silver Arrows' strong display with the fastest time of the day.

Mercedes set the fastest time in the first free practice session for the Grand Prix of Styria at the Red Bull Ring. In second place came, surprisingly, youngster Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes ahead of Oscar Piastri.

Mercedes set the fastest time of the day in the first free practice session for the Grand Prix of Styria at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, with youngster Kimi Antonelli in the second Silver Arrow finishing second.

George Russell turned the fastest lap of the one-hour session on the 4.318-kilometre course in Spielberg, Styria. His teammate Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian in the second Mercedes, followed just four hundredths of a second later in second place. Third place went to Oscar Piastri with a gap of 0.117 seconds.