F1: Austrian Grand Prix – live

Jos Verstappen on Max: “He knows what to do, I don’t get involved.”

Martin Brundle gets onto the grid for a little wander. Hans Zimmer says “I am just about to ruin Mozart forever. If you come here, you might as well go for broke.” Something to look forward to.

“If you take Max out of the race, this would be compelling,” say Sky Sports. It’s not exactly a big sell.

The cars are on the track as the drivers make their final preparations for the race. The wind is picking up in Austria.

Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu is starting the race from the pit lane after making a few adjustments to his car.

We have a whopping 71 laps today. That makes pitting strategy crucial. This is the sort of race that can be won or lost in the pits. The pressure is on.

Where will Verstappen go next?

A day where you need a hat that provides shade.

Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda has been fined €40,000 after he called a fellow Formula One driver “f****** retarded” in qualifying for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Tsunoda, who competes for Red Bull’s junior team, RB, took aim at Sauber’s Zhou Guanyu over the radio after he believed he was obstructed in the pit-lane. “These guys are f****** retarded,” he yelled.

Tsunoda, 24, was hauled before the stewards who slapped him with a 40,000 EUR (£33,901) fine - with half of the sanction suspended until the remainder of the season.

A statement from Formula One’s governing FIA read: “He contended that his understanding of the words was different, but acknowledged that this should not be considered as an excuse for what he did.”

Sport pricing out its fans? Never!

George Russell fancies getting a on the podium today. It is a hot day in Austria which will make things a little less fun for the drivers.

Max Verstappen in on pole so, in theory, everything is as it should be. There are, however, a few issue swirling around the Red Bull garage. Papa Verstappen and Christian Horner do not see eye-to-eye at the moment, making the backdrop to this grand prix more fun. Naturally, Verstappen will probably win this race and another title this season but that will only be part of the story.

The starting grid:

1 Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2 Lando Norris (McLaren)
3 George Russell (Mercedes)
4 Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)
5 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
6 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
7 Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
8 Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
9 Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
10 Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
11 Daniel Ricciardo (RB)
12 Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
13 Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
14 Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
15 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
16 Alex Albon (Williams)
17 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
18 Valtteri Bottas (Sauber)
19 Logan Sergeant (Williams)
20 Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)