Author: Barkha Roy
The Austrian Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown as the ninth race of the 2023 Formula 1 season approaches. Red Bull Racing, unbeaten so far, continue their dominant form, with Max Verstappen topping the podium for the last four consecutive weekends. This weekend marks the return of the sprint race format, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
The Red Bull Ring, also known as the Österreichring and A1-Ring, has been the venue for the Austrian Grand Prix since its inception, except for the first race in 1964. It’s a circuit that has witnessed historic moments and, in 1970, Jacky Ickx won the first official F1 victory on this track.
In recent years, the Austrian Grand Prix has been largely controlled by Mercedes and Red Bull Racing. Max Verstappen emerged victorious twice in 2021, including the Styrian Grand Prix, while Charles Leclerc claimed victory for Ferrari in the speed race last year.
The 4.3-kilometer Red Bull Ring is known for being one of the fastest circuits on the F1 calendar. With ten corners, including crucial braking zones at turns 1, 3 and 4, overtaking opportunities are plentiful, especially with the assistance of the DRS system on the straights leading up to these corners.
Red Bull’s dominance has been undeniable all season, especially on race days. The RB19 has always crossed the finish line with a substantial lead, firmly establishing its superiority. However, at the recent Canadian Grand Prix, the margin of victory was slightly smaller, with Verstappen just ten seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso. This suggests that the next races could offer more excitement and stiffer competition.
Mercedes, Ferrari and Aston Martin have been actively developing their cars, making significant advances in performance. Mercedes introduced updates to the W14-B in Monaco and Spain, resulting in podiums. Ferrari showed its speed in Montreal, demonstrating its prowess on hard and medium tires.
Qualifying is expected to be an exciting battle once again. Last year, at the short Spielberg circuit, Verstappen secured pole position, but the differences were incredibly small. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were behind by mere hundredths of a second. If Ferrari improves its performance in qualifying in Canada, it could set the stage for a fierce battle between the two rivals on Sunday.
Located in the middle of the picturesque Alps, the Red Bull Ring is susceptible to sudden storms, adding an unpredictable element to the race. On Friday and Saturday, forecasters have promised light rain, which will undoubtedly affect the grip on the track. However, Sunday’s race is expected to remain dry and temperatures could reach 27 degrees Celsius.
Heading into the Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing is on an impressive run of eight consecutive victories to remain unbeaten in the 2023 season. With Max Verstappen, the reigning champion and crowd favorite, leading the team, they are clear favorites to succeed on Sunday.
The sprint race format returns for the second time this season, adding an extra sprint shootout on Saturday. Although Verstappen has expressed his dislike of the format, the support of the sea of orange at the Red Bull Ring could serve as a motivating factor. With four previous wins at this track, Verstappen can almost consider the Austrian Grand Prix his home race, alongside Zandvoort.