Jack Leslie F1: 2014 Austrian Grand Prix in pictures

The Red Bull Ring returned to the F1 calendar to hold the first Austrian Grand Prix since 2003. It was won by Nico Rosberg, with his team-mate Lewis Hamilton taking the runner-up spot.

I was at the race reporting on all of the action for Richland F1. The track is in a stunning location and produced some fantastic photographs. Here is the race weekend in pictures (including some of my own).

Some of the images featured in this piece are courtesy of Octane Photographic. You can see more of their work here.

Friday

Williams showed strong speed on Friday at the Red Bull Ring, which proved to be a sign of things to come.

Sebastian Vettel struggled during practice and suffered a big spin at the final corner. His team-mate Daniel Ricciardo almost did the same just moments later.

The Mercedes duo dominated both sessions, with Rosberg setting the pace in practice one and Hamilton moving to the front in practice two.

Luke Smith (F1 writer for NBC Sports and Richland F1 founder/editor-in-chief) and I took some time out of working to head trackside during second practice.

We headed through the support paddock and watched the cars at the sixth and seventh corners. I must admit, I really like the noise so I don't know what everyone has been complaining about.

Saturday

Valtteri Bottas was fastest in the third and final practice session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend, from Hamilton and Felipe Massa.

Felipe Massa stormed to his first pole position since the 2008 Brazilian Grand Prix in qualifying, following mistakes at Mercedes.

Hamilton ran wide at turn eight and had his first lap time disallowed in Q3. He then spun on his second attempt, bringing out the yellow flags and securing the Brit ninth on the grid.

Rosberg slipped to third place in Q3 after he was forced to back off on his final lap due to his team-mate's error.

Vettel was eliminated in the second qualifying session and started the race from 12th, just ahead of Jenson Button.

Hamilton admitted after qualifying that he simply pressed the brake too hard at turn two, causing his spin.

Sunday

Before the F1 action kick-started on Sunday, the GP2 sprint race took place. Here is a picture of the start from the media centre.

I also got the chance to have a look around the Red Bull Racing Energy Station, Tree House and pit garage. Expect a piece on Richland F1 about it soon.

Here is a picture of the F1 grid around 20 minutes prior to the start of the race.

Massa managed to hold on to first place into the first corner when the lights went out, with Rosberg moving up to second and Hamilton advancing to fourth on the opening lap.

The two Williams drivers slipped to third and fourth during the pit stops but it was a strong result for the team.

The battle in the midfield was close once again, but overtaking proved to be trickier than expected at the circuit.

Rosberg and Hamilton celebrated their Mercedes one-two finish in the pit lane after taking the chequered flag.

Rosberg scored his third victory of the 2014 season and extended his lead in the championship.

It was a popular debut podium finish for Valtteri Bottas. His previous best result was fifth place.

See driver reaction after the race: http://bit.ly/T1ROzs

24 June 2014

2014 Austrian Grand Prix in pictures

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