McLaren

McLaren predict a 'tight' qualifying in Austria

McLaren were sixth and tenth in Friday practice

Sam Hall

Saturday 4 July 2020 10:55

McLaren driver Carlos Sainz expects qualifying for the Formula 1 season opening Austrian Grand Prix to be a keenly fought contest.

In second practice on Friday, little over half a second separated positions five to 15. Only Mercedes consistently showed pace stronger than that of the midfield.

"We are starting to see the pecking order a little better, and we are up for a tight Saturday" said Sainz.

Article continues under video

Both Sainz and teammate Lando Norris damaged their cars on the harsh Austrian kerbs on Friday - Norris causing significant damage to the floor and bargeboards while Sainz dislodged his front wing, running onto the kerbs after being told to steer clear.

He added: "We had some challenges and need to keep an eye on those yellow kerbs. I ran over one on my flying lap which cost me time on the final sector. Another minor issue kept me in the garage towards the end of the session but until then the car was showing a decent pace."

Both cars ended Friday inside the top ten, but with the sixth fastest time, Norris ended the day the faster of the two.

Norris said: "The first few laps are a bit of a shock to the body, because there’s nothing like driving an F1 car, but it’s great to be back. We got through our run plan, we did a good number of laps and I’m pretty happy with the car."

Before you go...

Formula 1 reports zero positive Covid tests

Button sceptical over Ferrari's pandemic excuse for axing Vettel

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Kim Kardashian at the Australian Grand Prix? Sky F1 star told to stop fishing about Lewis Hamilton 'romance'

1 hour ago

F1 News Today: Newey reveals the shocking truth as FIA announce last-minute U-turn

2 hours ago

F1 2026 Merch: Where to buy ALL teamwear including new Lewis Hamilton Ferrari kit, McLaren latest and more

2 hours ago

F1 Australian Grand Prix Tickets: The full guide to 2026 prices and how to buy for 2027

3 hours ago

Made in Australia, majestic in Monaco: The dress that stole F1's wedding of the year

3 hours ago

‘Almost don’t want to drive’: Max Verstappen is ‘emotionally drained’ by F1’s new 2026 cars