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    Thrilling F1 Austrian GP Preview: Verstappen Leads but Norris Aims to Dethrone Champion

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    Formula 1 News: Austria Grand Prix Preview – A Thrilling Sprint Weekend Ahead

    As the 2024 Formula 1 season continues to heat up, the Austrian Grand Prix is shaping up to be an electrifying event, with the championship gap now standing at 69 points in favor of Max Verstappen. Despite the seemingly significant lead, the title race remains intense, and this weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, promises to be a thrilling encounter.

    Located in the Stunning Styrian Mountains

    Located in the stunning Styrian mountains, the 4.3km circuit has undergone upgrades since last year, with the addition of gravel to Turns Nine and 10 to prevent track limit penalties. The weather forecast suggests hot conditions with highs of 30°C and scattered thunderstorms on Sunday, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the race.

    Red Bull Wary of McLaren’s Challenge

    Red Bull principal Christian Horner is wary of Lando Norris and McLaren, stating, “On such a short lap, it’s going to be so tight.” McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari will need consistency and mistake-free racing to challenge Red Bull’s dominance. The Austrian Grand Prix provides the perfect opportunity for these teams to close the gap.

    The Rich History of the Red Bull Ring

    The Red Bull Ring, purchased by Dietrich Mateschitz in 2004, has a rich history in Formula 1, hosting races between 1970-1987 and again between 1997-2003. The circuit was relaunched and rebranded in 2011, returning to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014.

    “On such a short lap, it’s going to be so tight.” – Christian Horner, Red Bull principal

    Race Details

    With 71 laps of the 4.3km circuit, the total distance of the race stands at 306km. Carlos Sainz holds the lap record with a time of 1:05.619, set in 2020. Max Verstappen has been the most successful driver at the circuit, claiming four wins, while Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Charles Leclerc have also tasted victory here.

    Last Year’s Dominance and This Year’s Challenges

    Last year, Verstappen dominated the weekend, taking pole position for the race and the sprint, and winning both. Can Lando Norris and McLaren dethrone the reigning champion this time around? They will certainly fancy their chances, given the car’s strength in high-speed corners.

    Don’t miss the action-packed Austrian Grand Prix, with live broadcast coverage in the U.S. on ESPNEWS and ESPN+, and in the U.K. on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. Follow the latest news, analysis, and updates from the ESPN F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, in Spielberg and on social media.

    Schedule:

    • Friday, June 28:
      • Practice – 11:30-12:30 BST / 12:30-13:30 central European summer time
      • Sprint qualifying – 15:30-16:14 BST / 16:30-17:14 CEST

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