Austrian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc beats Lewis Hamilton to pole position – who faces three-place grid penalty for Kimi Raikkonen incident

Lewis Hamilton faces a three-place grid penalty at the Austrian Grand Prix after a qualifying incident with Kimi Raikkonen, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc will start on pole position for just the second time in his career.

Leclerc, 21, blew away the field at the Red Bull Ring with a superb display to leave the opposition trailing in his wake ahead of the next race.


Charles Leclerc is in pole position for just the second time in his career for the Austrian GP

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Hamilton set the second fastest time, 0.205 seconds adrift of the young Ferrari driver, but will be hauled in front of the stewards for allegedly blocking Alfa Romeo driver Raikkonen.

Sebastian Vettel’s torrid time continued after a mechanical issue ruled him out of the pole shootout.

The German, already 72 points behind Hamilton in the championship race, did not set a lap, and is set to start from ninth.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen qualified third ahead of Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, but both could be bumped up the grid if Hamilton is penalised.

The flashpoint arrived in the opening phase of qualifying here at the Red Bull Ring.

Raikkonen was on a quick lap when he came across a slow Hamilton at the top of the hill on the approach to Turn 3.


Lewis Hamilton could be handed a three-place grid penalty after a qualifying incident with Kimi Raikkonen

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The British driver appeared to see Raikkonen at the last minute, and in attempting to get out of the fast-approaching Finn’s way, instead crossed his path.

“Hamilton completely blocked me,” said an angry Raikkonen after giving Hamilton the finger.

McLaren driver Carlos Sainz was handed a five-place grid penalty for a similar incident in Canada, blocking Alexander Albon.

The world champion has been called to see the stewards at 5pm.

“Charles has been quick all weekend,” said Hamilton, paying tribute to the young Monegasque. “We have not been able to keep up with them here.

“I am going to fight the young drivers tomorrow,” he added. “I am representing the old guys.