F1 Austrian GP Spielberg - Red Bull Ring

Austrian GP: The Spielberg GP (Austrian GP) at the Red Bull Ring takes place two weeks after the GP of Canada-Montreal, more precisely from June 30 to July 2. It is the perfect opportunity to experience a weekend full of adrenaline and racing fever. But that's not all, because the next highlight is waiting for us directly the following weekend: the Grand Prix of Silverstone at the Silverstone Circuit!

Grand Prix in Spielberg/Austrian GP and its history

From 1970 to 1987, Formula One races were held regularly at the Österreichring, which was located on the grounds of the municipalities of Spielberg and Flatschach. The track initially had a length of 5.911 km and was lengthened to 5.942 km in 1977 after a fatal accident involving Mark Donohue. The number of laps has varied between 52 and 54 over the years, after 60 laps were completed in the first season.

The Österreichring was considered a high-speed track, where new records for the average speed of a lap were repeatedly set.

After a race in 1987, which saw two major accidents with significant damage, Formula 1 said goodbye to Austria for ten years, as the track was no longer considered up to date. In the 1990s, a comprehensive redesign of the circuit took place. It was modernized, safety facilities were improved and run-off zones and a narrowing of the corners were introduced. The track was shortened to a length of 4.319 km and given the new name A1-Ring. Formula One races were again held at the A1 Ring from 1997 to 2003.

In 2004, Dietrich Mateschitz finally bought the site and began to convert the area into a motorsports center. The result was the race track we know today as the Red Bull Ring.

Three years later, Formula 1 returned to Spielberg. The first race was held on June 22, 2014. In March 2023, a contract extension was announced up to and including the 2027 season.

Austrian GP: Red Bull Ring track layout

Austrian GP - The renowned track architect Hermann Tilke was commissioned to design the Red Bull Ring. The special feature of this racetrack lies, among other things, in the striking differences in altitude and the resulting unique clarity of the course.

The race track itself stretches over a length of 4.318 kilometers for Formula 1 races. With its ten turns and an elevation of 677 meters, it offers an exciting driving experience. The Red Bull Ring also has an elevation change of 65 meters, with a maximum gradient of 12% and a maximum slope of 9.3%.

The Red Bull Ring impresses with seven right turns and three left turns that offer exciting racing moments. A lap of the circuit begins with a challenging right-hander after the start, followed by a long uphill straight. The drivers then face the hairpin, which is considered the best overtaking opportunity. Here, the cars have to reduce their speed from over 320 km/h to 70 km/h. This is followed by a right turn downhill, followed by two fast left turns in the infield, which finally merge into the finishing bends.

The Red Bull Ring is picturesquely located in the Upper Styrian Aichfeld and is surrounded by slopes on three sides. These slopes partially serve as natural grandstands and offer spectators a good view of the entire track. The surrounding landscape creates an atmospheric backdrop during the races and also provides a certain amount of noise protection from the outside. The Red Bull Ring thus combines impressive racing with an idyllic natural environment.

Winners of the Austrian GP

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