From Circuit to Weather Details: All You Need To Know About the F1 Austrian Grand Prix

all you need to know about the f1 austrian grand prix preview

Max Verstappen extended his lead to 69 points after winning the Spanish Grand Prix in style. Despite improvements from other teams, Max proved to be the best driver on the track. Lando Norris finished second after starting from pole position, while Lewis Hamilton ended his eight-month podium drought by finishing third.

Now, the F1 drivers move to Austria for round 11 of the 2024 season at the Red Bull Ring, formerly known as both the Österreichring and the A-1 Ring. The Sprint Race will return with the Austrian Grand Prix.

Red Bull's consistency will be the benchmark that McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari need to match if they want to challenge for victory. To do so, they must minimize mistakes and have a cleaner race, especially at Red Bull's home circuit in Spielberg, Austria.

The track has seen some upgrades since last year, with gravel added to Turns Nine and Ten to reduce track limit penalties. Verstappen holds the record for the most wins at the circuit with four victories (2018-2019, 2021, 2023), but Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap time (1:05.619) in 2020.

Last year, Verstappen had a flawless performance at the Austrian Grand Prix, taking pole position for both the race and the sprint, and winning both events. Both Red Bull drivers were on the podium, with Charles Leclerc finishing second between them.

McLaren and Lando Norris were strong contenders in Spain and are expected to be the strongest challengers to Verstappen in Austria, given their car's strength in high-speed corners. Mercedes and Ferrari also have high hopes for the short circuit, known for its tight qualifying sessions and many overtaking opportunities.

Circuit

The total race distance on the 4.3 km-long track is 306 km, making it a 71-lap race. The circuit has three DRS zones despite being the shortest track in the F1 championship. The first half of the Red Bull Ring is all about power, with cars speeding along three straights separated by two uphill right turns. As drivers head downhill, the track becomes a thrilling ride through a series of quick corners, including the exciting Rindt right-hander, named after Austria’s first F1 champion.

Weather

On Friday, fans can expect dry practice and sprint qualifying, with only a 20% chance of rain. Saturday will be the hottest day of the weekend, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. However, on race day, fans might see drivers switching to intermediates or wet tires due to a 40% chance of rain.

Austrian GP 2024 Schedule

All IST times

Friday, June 28

Free Practice 1: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Sprint Qualifying: 8:00 PM – 8:44 PM

Saturday, June 29

Sprint: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

Qualifying: 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Sunday, June 30

Main Race: 6:30 PM