The qualifying session at the Red Bull Ring ended dramatically, with both Ferrari drivers briefly holding the top two spots after their final laps. However, George Russell secured pole for Mercedes even after lifting for a yellow flag triggered by Max Verstappen’s crash.

As a result, Leclerc and Hamilton will start from P2 and P3, ahead of championship leader Kimi Antonelli, who qualified fourth.

Vasseur said Ferrari’s overall performance was more important than the circumstances around the yellow flag. “I’m taking the positives that we are second and third and able to have a good pace for tomorrow,” he said.

He noted that with many races still remaining in the season, the focus remains on sustained performance rather than individual incidents. On the late-session disruption, Vasseur said questions around the yellow flag conditions could be debated, but stressed trust in race officials. “We have to trust Race Control, and I will do it,” he said.

The session also marked a return to form for Leclerc following recent setbacks, including crashes and mechanical issues in previous races. Vasseur dismissed concerns about the driver’s pace, saying the performance had always been present. “It was more you journalists who were worried the pace was always there,” he said.

He acknowledged that pressure may have contributed to earlier mistakes, but praised Leclerc for delivering a strong qualifying performance.

Despite strong grid positions, Vasseur remains cautious about Ferrari’s chances in the race, noting that conditions and strategy can differ significantly from previous events. “Each day is another story we have to pay attention to our car and our tyres,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of running in clean air and maintaining focus, rather than being distracted by direct competition.

–F1/ChannelAfrica–