[Sports] Austrian Grand Prix: Live updates from practice, qualifying and race as Spielberg hosts Formula 1 Sprint weekend

[FRIDAY THE 13]

Leclerc: Good to be back on the podium
Charles Leclerc on finishing P2 at the Austrian GP

"I think Friday and today we maximised what we had. It was more yesterday that I as off the pace. It's good to be back on the podium. The upgrades we brought on the car made me feel better in those conditions which is good for the future.

"The team has done an excellent job to bring these upgrades earlier. But obviously there's a lot of work to do because Max and Checo had a lot of pace."

On being in the lead in the middle of the race

"We are struggling a lot in dirty air so I was just trying to get track position even though we knew in the long-term for the whole race it would have been difficult to keep Max behind with the race pace he had.

"But I tried and it wasn't enough but it's good to be back on the podium, especially after the last few races which have been a bit more difficult."

On Silverstone coming up

"Together with Austria these are my two favourite tracks which are non-city tracks.

"Silverstone, we always have great results so hopefully we can take advantage of the new upgrades we have on the car and hopefully be a bit more of a challenge to the Red Bulls."

Perez: Hopefully now I'm back
Sergio Perez on claiming P3 from P15 on the grid:

"I'm, really happy. It's been a very difficult weekend for me, personally physically I've been really weak. I was sick on Thursday and it hasn't been an easy weekend with high fever and little sleep.

"Great recovery from the team, fantastic strategy and we had great pace.

"It was very hard but fair (with Carlos). Always a pleasure to race them.

"It's been a bit of a rough patch for me but hopefully now we are back and can keep that consistency."

 

 

Max Verstappen on his latest victory:

"Most important for me was lap one to stay in front. After that we could do our own race. We opted not to box under the VSC and do our normal strategy and that worked out well. Our stints were perfect and I enjoyed it a lot.

"I could see the few laps before the VSC we were pulling out quite a gap so I knew we would get them back eventually. Following our own plan was the best way forward.

"I don't like to think about (the title) yet. I'm just enjoying the moment driving this car and working with this team. The Sprint weekend is always hectic and a lot of things can go wrong but luckily a lot of things went right - I'm just very happy with this weekend and we'll focus again on Silverstone."

 

Austrian Grand Prix: https://www.skysports.com/f1/live-blog/12433/12912272/austrian-grand-prix-live-updates-from-practice-qualifying-and-race-as-spielberg-hosts-formula-1-sprint-weekend