George Russell takes pole for
Photo: Darko Bandic /AP/TT

George Russell takes pole for Austrian GP after controversial Verstappen crash decision

Briton George Russell of Mercedes was fastest in qualifying for the Austrian Formula 1 GP. But he set his fastest time just after Max Verstappen spun off the track and crashed dramatically, which sparked controversy afterwards.

The rules in Formula 1 are clear - if a crash occurs and yellow flags are raised, the drivers must slow down.

Russell whizzed through the final two corners of the track just seconds after Verstappen (Red Bull) spun off the track and crashed into a tyre barrier.

Russell said he had lifted off the throttle earlier than normal before the corner where Verstappen crashed. He was backed by race stewards, who deemed the incident "no further investigation" necessary, a decision that was seen as controversial.

Russell will start on pole position for Sunday's GP race. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari finished second in qualifying, and Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari finished third.

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AuthorTT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers
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