This weekend, Formula 1 heads to Spielberg, Austria for the eleventh round of the 2025 championship.
With the top four drivers closely matched in the standings, predicting the podium finishers for this race is challenging.
George Russell, the winner of last year`s Austrian Grand Prix, is entering this race after a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, positioning Mercedes as strong contenders. Similarly, McLaren is expected to maintain their strong performance. Furthermore, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who holds the record for the most wins and poles at the team`s home circuit, the Red Bull Ring, cannot be ruled out.
Weather Forecast
While heat warnings with temperatures above 30°C were issued earlier in the week, the weekend forecast predicts slightly cooler temperatures around 28°C at their peak on Sunday. Expect sunshine and partial clouds throughout the weekend with a low probability of rain.
Latest News
- Sergio Pérez recently spoke about his departure from Red Bull, suggesting the team regrets their decision, citing a reliable source.
- Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli has successfully completed his high school exams shortly after securing his first Formula 1 grand prix podium.
- McLaren development driver Alex Dunne will participate in the first practice session this weekend, substituting for Lando Norris. Dino Beganovic will drive Charles Leclerc`s car for Ferrari during this session.
- Ferrari has announced its entry into the world of sailing with the 2026 Hypersail project.
Circuit Stats and History
Located high in the picturesque Styrian mountains, the Spielberg F1 circuit has evolved through several iterations since its creation in 1969 as the Osterreichring, which hosted grands prix from 1970 to 1987.
In the 1990s, renowned track designer Hermann Tilke revamped the circuit, bringing it back to the F1 calendar as the A1-Ring between 1997 and 2003.
Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz acquired the circuit in 2004, and it was relaunched and rebranded as the Red Bull Ring in 2011, returning to the F1 calendar in 2014, where it has remained annually since.
The Red Bull Ring played a crucial role during the coronavirus pandemic, hosting the initial two races of the shortened 2020 season: the Austrian Grand Prix and the Styrian Grand Prix.
Austrian Grand Prix Details
Circuit: Red Bull Ring; Spielberg, Austria
First F1 race: 1970
Laps: 71 laps of 4.3km. Total distance: 306km
Lap record: 1:05.619, Carlos Sainz (2020)
Most wins: Max Verstappen with four (2018-2019, 2021, 2023). Other current grid winners:
- Lewis Hamilton (2016)
- Charles Leclerc (2022)
- George Russell (2024)
Most poles: Verstappen with four (2021-2024). Other current grid pole sitters:
- Lewis Hamilton (2015-2016)
- Charles Leclerc (2019)
What makes it special: Situated in the Styrian Alps, the Red Bull Ring is often considered one of F1`s most scenic circuits. Despite having only eight distinct corners, it provides numerous overtaking opportunities.
What the drivers say about it: `I love it and everything about it — the scenery, the elevation, the whole thing is just fantastic. It is such a beautiful place and such a beautiful circuit, and definitely one of my favourites.` — Lance Stroll
What Happened Last Year?
George Russell claimed his second career victory against the odds in Spielberg last year after a collision between Verstappen and Norris while they battled for the lead.
Verstappen initially dominated the race, but a slow pitstop allowed Norris to catch up. Their subsequent wheel-to-wheel fight resulted in a collision and retirement for both drivers.
Russell`s win was Mercedes` first since his Brazilian Grand Prix victory in 2022. Oscar Piastri finished in second place, with Carlos Sainz securing third.
Who Will Win?
Following a less impressive performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, this weekend appears promising for McLaren once again.
This race seems like an ideal chance for the in-form championship leader Piastri to solidify his advantage over teammate Norris after their incident two weeks prior. However, Max Verstappen is consistently exceptional at Red Bull`s home event.
On paper, the circuit might not favour Mercedes, although a similar assessment was made about Montreal. If the silver cars perform strongly again this weekend, they could be a significant force throughout the remainder of the season.
How the Championships Look
Lando Norris` retirement from the Canadian Grand Prix meant minimal changes in the championship standings. Oscar Piastri currently leads by 22 points. Max Verstappen is closing in, trailing Norris by 21 points.
George Russell remains in fourth place, 19 points behind Verstappen.
In the constructors` championship, McLaren holds a substantial lead of 175 points over Mercedes.
How to Watch the GP
For viewers in the U.S., coverage is available on ESPN and ESPN+.
In the U.K., live broadcast coverage is provided by Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For ongoing news, analysis, and updates, follow the coverage from ESPN`s F1 team, including Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson reporting from Spielberg, and via social media channels.
