The opening practice session of the 2025 FIA Formula One Austrian Grand Prix set the stage for an exciting race weekend. George Russell claimed the top spot in FP1, demonstrating his speed and control early on. With Max Verstappen and championship leader Oscar Piastri close behind, the competition already feels intense. Rookie Alex Dunne caught many eyes by finishing fourth in his very first Formula 1 outing, adding a fresh dynamic to the field.
George Russell wasted no time showing his pace. He quickly posted a lap time of 1:07.140 on Medium tyres, setting the early pace. Though Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin briefly moved ahead, Russell regained control by lowering the benchmark to 1:06.537 on Hard tyres. Kimi Antonelli, Russell’s Mercedes teammate, also impressed by slotting into third place early.
Russell’s consistency was remarkable, as he improved his time further to 1:06.139. Verstappen struggled a bit with his RB21 setup but still managed to briefly reach second place. Meanwhile, Antonelli posted a strong lap of 1:06.342, which pushed Verstappen down a notch. Alpine’s Pierre Gasly followed closely in the top five.
One of the more dramatic moments came when Lewis Hamilton was called back due to gearbox concerns. The issue was quickly resolved, allowing the seven-time world champion to return to the track and climb from 20th to ninth before the session ended.
Carlos Sainz made a strong showing in the Williams, posting a second-place time of 1:06.071 on Medium tyres. However, as the session progressed and drivers switched to softer compounds, the pace improved across the board. Piastri, Verstappen, and Russell all ran on Soft tyres, with Russell posting a blazing 1:05.542, the fastest time of the session.
The spotlight also turned to Alex Dunne, the Irish driver who stepped into Lando Norris’ McLaren. Despite running with aero rakes for much of the session, Dunne impressed with a fourth-place finish, clocking 1:05.766 on Soft tyres. His performance highlighted his potential as a future star in Formula 1.
The session’s leaderboard was tightly packed, with all 20 cars within 1.2 seconds, a testament to the competitive nature of this season. Behind the leaders, Gabriel Bortoleto, Alexander Albon, Carlos Sainz, and Hamilton all put in solid performances, hinting at an unpredictable race ahead.
George Russell’s Dominant Pace in Austrian GP FP1
Russell’s times consistently improved, showing both his skill and the Mercedes team’s effective setup work. His final time of 1:05.542 was nearly a tenth faster than Verstappen and a clear statement of intent for the race weekend.
Rising Star Alex Dunne Shines in Debut Session
Dunne’s entry into Formula 1 has been eagerly anticipated. His performance in the McLaren confirmed he can compete closely with established drivers. Finishing just 0.224 seconds behind Russell on a challenging circuit is an impressive feat.
Championship Contenders Battle Early in FP1
The fight among Verstappen, Piastri, and Russell sets the tone for the Austrian GP. Verstappen’s struggles with setup could impact his race, while Piastri continues to demonstrate consistency near the top.
Mechanical Worries and Comebacks
Hamilton’s gearbox issue briefly threatened his session, but the swift fix allowed him to return and finish strong. Such resilience is crucial in a tightly contested championship.
The Tight Field Highlights the Season’s Competitiveness
With all cars separated by just over a second, any driver could make the difference in qualifying or the race. This close FP1 battle promises thrilling action ahead.
The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix has already shown us glimpses of excitement and fierce competition. As FP1 wraps up, George Russell leads the way, but the chase pack is ready to challenge him. Rookie Dunne’s strong debut is a sign that fresh talent is ready to shake things up. This weekend promises to deliver on the thrilling Formula 1 spectacle fans love.
| Pos | Driver | Car |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 4 | Alex Dunne | McLaren |
| 5 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 6 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber |
| 7 | Alexander Albon | Williams |
| 8 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 9 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 11 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 12 | Nico Hülkenberg | Sauber |
| 13 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 15 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 16 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 17 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 18 | Dino Beganovic | Ferrari |
| 19 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 20 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects the results of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix FP1 session.
Source: FIA
