Preview: Austrian Grand Prix 2025 at Red Bull Ring

Formula 1 is back in Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, where the championship battle is intensifying.

Oscar Piastri currently leads Lando Norris by 22 points in the Drivers` Championship following their contact in Canada, which resulted in Norris` dramatic retirement.

Max Verstappen gained some points but remains 43 points behind Piastri. He will be looking for a strong performance at Red Bull`s home circuit, where he has secured five victories previously.

George Russell, who won the Austrian Grand Prix last year, delivered Mercedes` first victory of the 2025 season in Montreal. Kimi Antonelli also achieved his first podium finish in that race.

Ferrari is expected to introduce car upgrades at Spielberg in an effort to bring Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton closer to the front of the field.

The race weekend in Austria will also feature the Formula 2 and Formula 3 support series, promising a packed schedule.

Red Bull Ring Track Layout

The Red Bull Ring is notable for having one of the shortest lap times of the season. Assuming dry conditions, this year`s pole position is anticipated to be in the 1:03 range.

The 2.7-mile circuit officially has 10 corners, but drivers only need to brake significantly for seven of them. It offers excellent overtaking opportunities, featuring three consecutive DRS zones extending from the main straight to Turn 4.

Action often unfolds on the uphill section leading to Turn 3, which has seen notable incidents including Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton`s clash on the final lap in 2016, Verstappen making contact with Leclerc in 2019, and Verstappen colliding with Norris in 2024.

The lap concludes with two fast right-hand turns. Track limits were previously a concern in this section, but the addition of gravel traps on the exits has helped reduce this issue.

Spielberg Weather Forecast

The current weather forecast for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend predicts no rain for any sessions. Sunny weather is expected with temperatures around 30°C throughout the three days.

However, teams are aware that thunderstorms can develop quickly and unexpectedly in the Spielberg hills.

Austrian Grand Prix Schedule & UK Start Times