Formula 1 returns to Spielberg, Austria this weekend for the 11th round of the 2025 season.
With the top four drivers tightly contesting the championship, predicting the podium contenders is challenging.
George Russell, fresh from his victory at the Canadian Grand Prix, makes Mercedes strong contenders, especially as he won the Austrian GP last year. McLaren`s recent dominance is also expected to continue. However, Max Verstappen cannot be discounted, as he holds the record for most wins and poles at Red Bull`s home circuit, the Red Bull Ring.
Weather Forecast
Recent heatwaves saw temperatures exceed 30°C in Austria, but the forecast for the race weekend is slightly cooler, peaking around 28°C on Sunday. Conditions are expected to be sunny with partial clouds throughout the weekend, and a low chance of rain.
Here`s a comprehensive preview of the weekend:
Latest News
- Sergio Pérez has spoken for the first time about his departure from Red Bull, stating he believes the team regrets the decision. He quoted a source saying, “Deep down, they are very sorry [for cutting his contract].”
- Mercedes junior driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli graduated high school just days after achieving his first Formula 1 podium finish.
- McLaren`s development driver Alex Dunne will participate in the first practice session this weekend, replacing Lando Norris. Dino Beganovic will drive Charles Leclerc`s car for Ferrari during the session.
- Outside of F1, Ferrari has announced its entry into the world of sailing with the 2026 Hypersail project.
Circuit Stats and History
Located in the stunning Styrian mountains, the Spielberg circuit has evolved through several iterations. Initially built as the Osterreichring in 1969, it hosted the Austrian Grand Prix from 1970 to 1987.
In the 1990s, Hermann Tilke redesigned the track, leading to its return as the A1-Ring from 1997 to 2003.
Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz acquired the circuit in 2004, relaunching it as the Red Bull Ring in 2011. It rejoined the F1 calendar in 2014 and has been a permanent fixture since.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Red Bull Ring played a crucial role, hosting the first two races of the shortened season: the Austrian Grand Prix and the Styrian Grand Prix.
Austrian Grand Prix
Circuit: Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
First F1 Race: 1970
Race Distance: 71 laps (306 km), 4.3 km per lap
Lap Record: 1:05.619 (Carlos Sainz, 2020)
Most Wins: Max Verstappen (4) – 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023. Other current drivers with wins: Lewis Hamilton (2016), Charles Leclerc (2022), George Russell (2024).
Most Poles: Max Verstappen (4) – 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Other current drivers with poles: Lewis Hamilton (2015, 2016), Charles Leclerc (2019).
What makes it special: Set amidst the Styrian Alps, the Red Bull Ring is celebrated for its scenic beauty. While featuring only eight primary corners, it offers numerous overtaking opportunities.
Driver Quote: Lance Stroll describes the circuit: “`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.`”
What Happened Last Year?
At the 2024 event, George Russell secured his second career win in an eventful race. Although Max Verstappen dominated the initial phase, a slow pitstop allowed Lando Norris to challenge him, leading to a collision and subsequent retirement for both drivers. Russell capitalized on this to take the victory, ahead of Oscar Piastri in second and Carlos Sainz in third.
Who will win?
Following a less impactful race in Canada, this weekend`s event seems favorable for McLaren once more. It presents an ideal opportunity for the in-form championship leader Oscar Piastri to extend his lead over teammate Lando Norris after their incident two weeks prior. However, Max Verstappen`s exceptional record at Red Bull`s home circuit makes him a significant contender. While expected to struggle on paper, if Mercedes performs as they did in Montreal, the silver cars could pose a challenge for the remainder of the season.
How the Championships Look
Lando Norris` retirement in Canada resulted in minimal changes to the championship standings. Oscar Piastri maintains his lead, now 22 points ahead of Norris. Max Verstappen trails Norris by 21 points, while George Russell is in fourth place, a further 19 points adrift. In the Constructors` Championship, McLaren holds a substantial 175-point advantage over Mercedes.
How to watch the GP
Viewers in the U.S. can watch the race on ESPN and ESPN+.
In the U.K., live coverage is available on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live.
For news, analysis, and live updates, follow ESPN`s F1 team coverage.
Session times are listed below in BST (British Summer Time). Local time (Central European Summer Time) is one hour ahead of BST.
Friday
Free Practice 1: 12:30 – 13:30 BST
Free Practice 2: 16:00 – 17:00 BST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 11:30 – 12:30 BST
Qualifying: 15:00 – 16:00 BST
Sunday
Race Starts: 14:00 BST (Live text commentary from 13:00 BST)
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood