Formula 1 is set to arrive in Spielberg, Austria, this weekend for the eleventh round of the 2025 season.
With the top four drivers closely matched in the championship standings, predicting podium finishers is challenging. George Russell, who won the Austrian Grand Prix last year and recently secured a victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, positions Mercedes as strong contenders for a win. McLaren is also expected to maintain its dominant form. Furthermore, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, who boasts the most wins and pole positions at his team`s home track, the Red Bull Ring, should not be underestimated.
Weather Forecast
Austria has seen heat warnings this week with temperatures exceeding 30°C. However, the forecast for the race weekend indicates slightly cooler conditions, peaking at 28°C on Sunday. The weekend is expected to be sunny with some partial clouds, and there is a low probability of rain.
Comprehensive preview of the upcoming weekend:
Latest News
- Sergio Pérez discussed his departure from Red Bull, claiming the team regrets their decision based on a reliable source. The Mexican driver stated he knows “Deep down, they are very sorry [for cutting his contract]”.
- Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli graduated from high school shortly after achieving his first F1 grand prix podium.
- McLaren development driver Alex Dunne will participate in first practice this weekend in place of Lando Norris, while Dino Beganovic will drive Charles Leclerc`s car for Ferrari.
- Ferrari will enter the world of sailing, with the announcement of their 2026 Hypersail project.
- Read Nate Saunders` review of the new F1 movie.
- Listen to the race preview and latest episode of ESPN`s F1 podcast Unlapped with Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson from Spielberg.
Circuit Stats and History
Located high in the picturesque Styrian mountains, the Spielberg circuit has undergone several transformations since its origin as the Osterreichring in 1969, which hosted Grands Prix from 1970 to 1987.
In the 1990s, renowned circuit designer Hermann Tilke revised the track, 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. Years later, it was relaunched in 2011 as the Red Bull Ring, marking its return to the F1 calendar for the 2014 season. It has been a continuous fixture since then.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Red Bull Ring played a crucial role by hosting the first two races of the shortened 2020 season: the Austrian Grand Prix and the Styrian Grand Prix.
Austrian Grand Prix
Circuit: Red Bull Ring; Spielberg, Austria
First F1 race: 1970
Laps: 71 laps of 4.3 km. Total distance: 306 km
Lap record: 1:05.619, Carlos Sainz (2020)
Most wins: Max Verstappen with four (2018-2019, 2021, 2023). Other current drivers who have won:
- Lewis Hamilton (2016)
- Charles Leclerc (2022)
- George Russell (2024)
Most poles: Verstappen with four (2021-2024). Other current pole-sitters:
- Hamilton (2015-2016)
- Leclerc (2019)
What makes it special: Situated in the Styrian Alps, the Red Bull Ring is considered one of F1`s most beautiful circuits. Despite having only eight significant corners, it offers 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 at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix in an unexpected turn of events after Max Verstappen and Lando Norris collided while battling for the lead. Verstappen had dominated the initial part of the race, but a slow pitstop allowed Norris to close the gap. Their subsequent wheel-to-wheel battle resulted in a collision and retirement for both drivers. Russell`s win was Mercedes` first since his victory at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. Oscar Piastri finished second, followed by Carlos Sainz in third.
Who Will Win?
Following a less remarkable performance at the Canadian Grand Prix, this race appears to be another opportunity for the McLarens. It seems like an ideal chance for the in-form championship leader, Piastri, to extend his lead over Norris after their incident two weeks prior. However, Max Verstappen has consistently performed exceptionally well at Red Bull`s home circuit and should not be discounted.
On paper, the circuit might not favour Mercedes, although they surprised many in Montreal. If the silver cars are competitive again this weekend, they could pose a challenge for the remainder of the season.
How the Championships Look
Lando Norris` retirement from the Canadian Grand Prix meant the championship standings saw minimal changes. Oscar Piastri maintains a 22-point lead. Max Verstappen is now 21 points behind Norris. George Russell holds fourth place, a further 19 points back.
McLaren continues to lead the constructors` championship by a significant 175 points over Mercedes.
How to Watch the GP
Here`s how to watch the Grand Prix:
- For fans in the U.S., watch on ESPN and ESPN+.
- In the U.K., live broadcast coverage is on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
- For news, analysis, and updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team, Nate Saunders and Laurence Edmondson, reporting from Spielberg and on social media.
Session times are listed below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Central European Summer Time) is BST +1 hour.
Friday
- Free practice one: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
- Free practice two: 16:00 – 17:00 BST
Saturday
- Free practice three: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
- Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST
Sunday
- Race starts: 14:00 BST (live text commentary build-up from 13:00 BST).
Additional information:
- Standings | Calendar | Teams
- 2025 F1 circuits: Their history, stats and why they`re special
- Key facts on drivers, teams, venues, more
- Reasons to root for each F1 driver, questions for every team
- Meet the rookies: What to expect from F1`s Class of 2025
