After the aborted Australian Grand Prix weekend 105 days ago as of Friday, Formula One looks to finally get their 2020 season underway with the Austrian Grand Prix ahead of the Styrian GP next weekend.
Lewis Hamilton enters the season looking for a seventh title but with a congested calendar, enjoying successful back-to-back race weekends here will be key for every driver and team as they battle for the driver and constructor titles.
We therefore welcome you to our preview for the Austrian and Styrian Grands Prix, featuring track details, session timings and five key pointers to whet your appetite as we draw closer to F1’s return.
Track Guide
Circuit: Red Bull Ring
Laps: 71
Race Distance: 306.452km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
With Red Bull Ring hosting the first two races on consecutive weekends, here is full schedule details for both race weekends due to no timing changes for second round.
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 3/10 July | FP1 | 10:00am |
| Friday 3/10 July | FP2 | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 4/11 July | FP3 | 11:00am |
| Saturday 4/11 July | Qualifying | 2:00pm |
| Sunday 5/12 July | Race | 2:10pm |
Five Key Pointers
- Max Verstappen can become only the second driver to win three official F1 Austrian Grands Prix, as well as the first to win the race in three consecutive years.
- Racing Point could produce a surprise if their pre-season pace translates into podium challenging race weekend pace.
- Alfa Romeo, Haas, McLaren and Williams drivers will need some time in FP1 to adapt back to F1 machinery after failing to run a private shakedown test in recent weeks.
- Ferrari will be running their pre-season specification in these two opening races, so expect to see both drivers struggling for top speed which is quite crucial here.
- Midfield pack looks incredibly tight so mistakes could well be crucial for not just qualifying position but also race results.