D espite their significant lead in the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship standings, McLaren introduced a set of upgrades for the Austrian Grand Prix, aiming to unlock even more performance from the MCL39. The early returns are more than positive.

Lance Stroll was the only other driver to get within half a second of the McLaren pacesetters, while Charles Leclerc was fifth for Ferrari having also sat out FP1, who took a trip over the gravel at Turn 6 midway through the session.

Oscar Piastri goes into the race with 22-point lead in the Drivers' Championship over his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris and 43 ahead of current world champion Max Verstappen.