Formula 1: Austrian Grand Prix Preview
The Formula 1 schedule is set to heat up as the triple header sequence continues at the iconic Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria this weekend. As we gear up for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix, here’s your ultimate guide to get you ready for the action-packed event.
Vital Statistics
- First Grand Prix: 1964 (Zeltweg)
- Track Length: 4.318km
- Lap record: 1m 05.619s, Carlos Sainz, McLaren, 2020
- Most pole positions: Niki Lauda, Rene Arnoux, Nelson Piquet, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen (3)
- Most wins: Max Verstappen (4)
- Trivia: Austria’s Red Bull Ring has the fewest corners on the F1 calendar, with just 10 turns making up the layout
- Pole run to Turn 1 braking point: 233 metres
- Overtakes completed in 2023: 105
- Safety Car probability: 50%
- Virtual Safety Car probability: 30%
- Pit stop time loss: 20.4 seconds (includes 2.5s stop)
Fan View
After a thrilling race in Barcelona, fans are eagerly anticipating the Austrian Grand Prix. According to our F1 Play predictor game, Max Verstappen leads Lando Norris in the voting, but not by much. Lewis Hamilton is also gaining traction, and fans are excited to see if he can cause an upset this weekend.
Track Insights
Former Renault F1 driver Jolyon Palmer shares his insights on the Red Bull Ring: “Austria is a picturesque circuit, really undulating, which makes it nice to drive and characterful. You’ve got to be careful with the kerbs as it’s very easy to get straddling or to get over some more abrasive kerbs, which can inflict a bit of damage to your car.”
Strategy and Tyres
Pirelli’s weekend preview highlights the importance of managing tyres to avoid overheating, especially in the first and last sectors. The tyre manufacturer also notes that the Spielberg track surface is quite old and therefore highly abrasive, but the lateral forces exerted on the tyres are decidedly lower than the average for the season, resulting in very limited wear overall.
Last Five Austrian GP Winners
- 2023 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2022 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 2021 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2020 – Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
- 2019 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Sustainability Efforts
As part of Formula 1’s Sustainability Strategy, the Red Bull Ring is committed to reducing emissions and promoting eco-friendly practices. This year, the circuit will power 100% of their generators with Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel and has implemented a new biomass heating plant, reducing the need for gas equating to 382 tonnes of CO2 per year.
What to Expect
With the third Sprint weekend of the season promising to bring plenty of excitement and drama, can Verstappen extend his championship lead? Will Norris and McLaren push him all the way again? And can Ferrari bounce back after two off-colour weekends? Stay tuned to find out.
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