Mercedes drivers perform well during Friday practice at Austrian Grand Prix

At the Red Bull Ring on June 26, 2026, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell showcased strong performances in the first two practice sessions of the Austrian Grand Prix. Antonelli topped both sessions, clocking a fastest lap of 1:07.014 in FP2, while Russell struggled with a sixth-place finish in the afternoon. Despite some issues with tire management, both drivers expressed confidence in their competitive setup going into qualifying. McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured third in FP1, while Lando Norris faced challenges due to a hydraulic leak that limited his practice time.