Russell fastest as Irish teenager Dunne impresses in Austria

Max Verstappen led Red Bull’s George Russell during the first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix.

Russell was 0. 065 seconds quicker than the Dutchman when he claimed on Thursday that Mercedes were talking to Verstappen about potential future driving for them in the following year.

Oscar Piastri, a 19-year-old Irishman, came third fastest in the other McLaren, trailing only Alex Dunne, a 19-year-old Irishman.

Dunne, who is currently winning the Formula 2 championship this year, is a McLaren young driver, who is competing for Lando Norris for the first time.

Although his lap was set slightly later in the session than the Australian’s, when the track would have been in better shape, he was only 0. 06 seconds off Piastri’s pace, both of whom were running on the soft tyres.

The Red Bull Ring has been upgraded by McLaren and Red Bull both.

McLaren has updated its front suspension shaping to work with a brand-new front wing that was first tested at the most recent Canadian race.

Red Bull now has a new edge. Ferrari, who finished ninth overall, has their first major renovation since Bahrain in April, a completely new floor.