
The triple Formula One world champion put in a best lap of 1:04.686s around his team’s home circuit, as the crowd roared in response, with Norris 0.093s slower.
“It’s great to be first here in front of, basically, my home fans and my home Grand Prix,” said the Dutch driver, whose travelling army of fans turn the stands orange at the Red Bull Ring.
“It’s been a good day so far.”
Mercedes’ George Russell joined Piastri on the second row with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton together on the third.
Mexican Sergio Perez starts in seventh place with Alpine’s Esteban Ocon eighth and teammate Pierre Gasly ninth.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc starts 10th after failing to set a time in the final phase.