Austrian Grand Prix: All the things you might want to know

Although the championship feels rather more aggressive now, Max Verstappen’s lead has really elevated to 69 factors.

Happily, Laurence Edmondson has analysed simply how shut it really is, and has damaged down the numbers.

You’ll be able to’t fault Purple Bull for consistency, and that’s precisely what McLaren, Mercedes and Ferrari want, together with fewer errors and a cleaner race to actually take the battle to Purple Bull, and what a spot to do it at their house circuit on the Purple Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria.

The observe has additionally had some upgrades since final yr, with gravel added to Turns 9 and 10 to stop repeated chaos of observe restrict penalties.

As at all times, the climate guarantees to be sizzling within the beautiful Styrian mountains, with highs of 30°C, and customarily sunny, however to date, Sunday threatens scattered thunderstorms and probably rain.

Newest information

After months of hypothesis over his future, Max Verstappen has confirmed he’ll stay at Purple Bull in 2025, ruling out a swap to rivals Mercedes.

Pierre Gasly and Lance Stroll will lengthen their stays at their respective groups for 2025.

Purple Bull are cautious of Lando Norris and McLaren forward of the weekend’s race. “On such a brief lap it should be so tight,” Purple Bull principal Christian Horner mentioned.

Mick Schumacher will do a Method One check with Alpine subsequent week because the French workforce continues to mull over its 2025 driver lineup.

Can Lando Norris be champion in 2024? | F1 Unlapped — take heed to the newest podcast episode.

Circuit stats & historical past

Spielberg’s F1 circuit hosted races between 1970-1987 after which once more between 1997-2003. Purple Bull proprietor Dietrich Mateschitz initially purchased the circuit in 2004, nevertheless it was relaunched and branded in 2011 which introduced it again onto the calendar for the 2014 season.

Austria performed a key position for F1 in the course of the coronavirus pandemic — the Purple Bull Ring hosted the opening two races of the pandemic-shortened 2020 marketing campaign: the Austrian Grand Prix and the Styrian Grand Prix.

Laps: 71 laps of 4.3km. Whole distance 306km

Lap file: 1:05.619 – Carlos Sainz (2020)

Most wins: Verstappen with 4 (2018-2019, 2021, 2023). Of the present grid, Hamilton (2016), Valtteri Bottas (2017, 2020), Charles Leclerc (2022) have all received right here.

Most poles: No one has greater than three poles right here — Verstappen, Bottas, René Arnoux and Niki Lauda are all tied on three. Of the present grid, Hamilton (2015-2016) and Leclerc (2019) have been on pole right here.

What occurred final yr

Max Verstappen was excellent final yr, taking pole place for the race and the dash, and successful each. Each Purple Bull drivers had been on the rostrum for the race, with Charles Leclerc ending between them in second.

Who’s going to win?

McLaren and Lando Norris ought to have received in Spain they usually would be the strongest wager to problem Max Verstappen in Austria, given the automotive’s energy in high-speed corners.

Mercedes and Ferrari may also fancy their possibilities on the brief circuit which at all times throws up tight qualifying periods and overtaking alternatives.

play

Can Lando Norris catch Max Verstappen within the F1 title race?

Laurence Edmondson debates if McLaren’s Lando Norris can meet up with Max Verstappen within the F1 standings.

Find out how to watch the GP

Watch on ESPNEWS and ESPN+ (U.S. solely).

Stay broadcast protection within the U.Okay. is on Sky Sports activities F1, and BBC Radio 5 Stay, with Sunday’s highlights on Channel 4.

For information, evaluation and updates, comply with the protection with ESPN’s F1 workforce Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson in Spielberg and on social media.

Friday, June 28
Follow – 11:30-12:30 BST / 12:30-13:30 central European summer season
Dash qualifying – 15:30 – 16:14 BST / 16:30-17:14 CEST.

Saturday, June 29
Dash 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 begins – 14:00 BST / 15:00 CEST.

How the championships look

Though Norris has moved as much as second within the drivers’ championship, Verstappen’s lead has elevated barely to 69, on 219 general.

Verstappen must be off the rostrum for a number of races to stop him operating away with the championship.

Naturally, Purple Bull are nonetheless forward within the constructors’ championship by 60 factors over Ferrari. McLaren path in third by 93.

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