Formula 1 returns to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, with the championship battle intensifying.
Oscar Piastri currently leads the Drivers` Championship standings, 22 points ahead of Lando Norris. Their McLaren team-mates were involved in an incident at the previous race in Canada, which led to Norris`s retirement.
Max Verstappen gained ground in the standings but is still 43 points behind Piastri. He will be aiming for a strong performance at Red Bull`s home circuit, having secured five victories here in the past.
George Russell, last year`s winner in Austria, also secured Mercedes` first win of 2025 in Montreal, where Kimi Antonelli achieved his first podium finish.
Ferrari is expected to introduce performance upgrades at Spielberg as they aim to bring Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton closer to the front of the field.
Formula 2 and Formula 3 will also be competing as support races, making for a packed weekend of motorsport action at the Red Bull Ring.
Red Bull Ring Track Layout
The Red Bull Ring is known for having one of the shortest lap times on the calendar. Pole position times are expected to be in the 1:03s range under dry conditions.
Officially, the 2.7-mile track features 10 corners, though only seven require significant braking. Despite this, the circuit offers ample overtaking opportunities, featuring three consecutive DRS zones from the main straight through to Turn 4.
The challenging uphill section towards Turn 3 has been a site of notable incidents, including clashes between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in 2016, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in 2019, and Verstappen and Lando Norris in 2024.
The lap concludes with two fast right-hand corners. Track limits were previously a concern here but are now better managed thanks to strategically placed gravel traps on the exits.
Austrian GP Weather Forecast
Current forecasts suggest no rain for any sessions during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. Temperatures are expected to be around 30°C across all three days, with sunny conditions anticipated.
However, teams are aware that thunderstorms can develop quickly in the Spielberg hills, potentially changing conditions unexpectedly.
Austrian Grand Prix 2025 Schedule (UK Time)
- Sunday June 29
- 7.25am: F3 Feature Race
- 8.55am: F2 Feature Race
- 10.40am: Porsche Supercup
- 12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up
- 2pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
- 4pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction
- 5pm: Ted`s Notebook
