Verstappen sets the pace as rain threatens Styrian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen was quickest in free practice for the Styrian Grand Prix and it could lead to pole position for Sunday's race.

With rain threatening to wash out any running on Saturday, teams treated FP2 at the Red Bull Ring as a potential qualifying session as rumours circulated that the fastest times may make up the grid for Sunday's race.

Verstappen's time of 1:03.660 was less than a tenth of a second ahead of Valtteri Bottas' Mercedes - the winner of the race last weekend and current championship leader.

The Racing Point pair of Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll were third and fourth ahead of Carlos Sainz's McLaren. Reigning champion Lewis Hamilton struggled in the middle sector and could only post the sixth fastest time, while Alex Albon was sixth in the other Red Bull.

Lando Norris, who secured his first podium in F1 on Sunday, was hit with a three-place penalty for overtaking under yellow flags but set the eighth fastest time, while Ferrari's struggles continued with Charles Leclerc ninth and Sebastian Vettel in 16th nearly two-seconds off the pace.

Estaban Ocon's Renault rounded out the top 10, while team-mate Daniel Ricciardo's session ended in spectacular fashion as he spun out at Turn 9, destroying his car in the process.