Mercedes driver George Russell headed Red Bull's Max Verstappen in first practice at the Austrian Grand Prix. Russell, who said on Thursday that Mercedes were talking to Verstappen about the possibility of driving for them next year,

George Russell topped the times for Mercedes ahead of four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull in Friday's opening practice ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix.

George Russell picked up where he left off by finishing fastest in first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix. Russell took his first win of the season last time out in Canada and the Mercedes driver raised hope of a second victory in as many races by topping the time charts at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg.