Austrian Grand Prix 2021 Qualifying: Time, Where to Watch Live & Predictions

With the Austrian Grand Prix, the Red Bull Ring will play host to a second successive Formula One race this weekend. Although Spielberg was to host only one race initially, the cancellation of the Canadian Grand Prix gave Austria its second double header after the 2020 season.

One of the most anticipated sessions of any race weekend is qualifying. Like previous F1 races, drivers will compete in three qualifying sessions at the Red Bull Ring this Saturday, July 3. While the first two qualifying sessions eliminate ten drivers in total, the last session decides who starts on pole position.

When and how can you catch the action this Saturday?

Qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix will begin at 3:00 PM local time and 1:00 PM GMT on Saturday, July 3.

In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will cover all the action starting from 2:00 PM BST on Saturday while ESPN will broadcast qualifying at 9:00 AM ET in the United States. Fans can also catch the action online through F1’s official broadcasting channel, F1 TV.

Can Lewis Hamilton outperform Max Verstappen in the Austrian Grand Prix?

The Styrian Grand Prix highlighted the disparity between Red Bull Racing and Mercedes this season. Despite their dominance on this track last year, the Silver Arrows were no match for their Austrian rivals last weekend.

Although Lewis Hamilton put in an excellent lap in Q3 last weekend, he was two-tenths off Max Verstappen‘s pace. However, with Mercedes looking to improve the W12, the Briton may be in a better position to challenge his Dutch rival.

Behind the obvious frontrunners, Valtteri Bottas showed competent single lap pace throughout the weekend, which could edge him ahead of Sergio Perez on Saturday. McLaren and Ferrari look to continue from where they left off in Spielberg, with Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc all expected to appear in Q3.

However, AlphaTauri could upset the Top 10 after displaying competitive pace last weekend. Despite a terrible Sunday, Pierre Gasly could spring a surprise by putting his car among the Top 6 this Saturday.

With so much at stake heading into Round 9 of the 2021 season, qualifying in the Red Bull Ring promises to be nothing short of exhilarating.

READ MORE: Austrian Grand Prix: Where to Watch, Live Stream & Timings for This F1 Race?