The Austrian Grand Prix 2024 is just around the corner. With the Formula One Championship getting more and more exciting, this race holds more importance than before. Max Verstappen has won the last three races at the Red Bull Circuit which asserts his dominance at this track.
Let’s assess the Spielberg Circuit and the competition before it happens:
Verstappen’s Dominance Amidst Tough Challenges:
Even the lead for Verstappen in the championship has increased since the last victory, but challenges emerge in the form of Lando Norris from Mclaren. But Mclaren alongside other constructors would need much more than perfection to beat Red Bull’s Dominance.
The Consistency Factor:
You can never complain about Red Bull’s consistency. Maybe this is what others like McLaren, Ferrari, and Mercedes need. They need fewer mistakes and cleaner races to win more competitions, eventually dethroning Red Bull. The Spielberg track has had some upgrades since last time, with gravel added to turns 9 and 10. This has been done to prevent chaos and track limit penalties.
What does the weather look like for the Austrian Grand Prix 2024?
The weather promised to be hot in the Styrian Mountains, with the temperature in the highs of 30 degrees. However, there is a prediction of rain and scattered thunderstorms on race day, adding the unpredictability factor.
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Verstappens Future
Red Bull would be home to Max Verstappen til 2025 as the Dutch Driver secures his future in the team. He has confirmed that he won’t be switching to Mercedes. Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll will also stay at their respective teams till 2025.
Schumacher Tests with Alpine
Mick Schumacher will be testing with Alpine next week as the French team is gearing up for the 2025 Formula One Championship line-up.
Circuit Stats:
Spielberg F1 circuit saw races from 1970- 1987 and then from 1997-2003. The current version of the circuit was purchased by the owner of the Red Bull brand Dietrich Mateschitz in 2011, and thus it was brought back to the calendar for 2014.
It was very important throughout the year as the circuit hosted the first two rounds of the 2020 season amidst the pandemic.
Laps: 71 laps of 4. 3km, total distance of 306km
Lap Record: 1:05. 619 by Carlos Sainz / (2020)
Most Wins: Max Verstappen the most recent being in 2023, 2021, 2019 and 2018.
Most Poles: Level on the score three to separate Verstappen, Bottas, René Arnoux and Niki Lauda
Predictions for This Year
McLaren and Lando Norris, who was very good in Spain, are believed to pose a strong fight to Verstappen in Austria. Mercedes and Ferrari are also keen on the short circuit that is characterized by qualifying sessions and overtaking probabilities.
Date and Time for the Austrian Grand Prix:
The complete schedule of the Austrian Grand Prix is as follows:
- Friday, June 28
Practice – 11:30-12:30 BST / 12:30-13:30 Central European summertime
Sprint qualifying – 15:30 – 16:14 BST / 16:30-17:14 CEST.
- Saturday, June 29
Sprint race – 11:00-12:00 BST / 12:00-13:00 CEST
Qualifying – 15:00-16:00 BST / 16:00-17:00 CEST. - Sunday, June 30
Race starts – 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST.
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