Following a dramatic French Grand Prix, Formula One moves on to the Red Bull Ring, Austria, for the first of a double-header starting with the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix.
This Grand Prix marks the first of two consecutive home races for Red Bull who come into these two rounds as firm favourites after winning the last three races, although Mercedes will be eager to impress and get their title bid back on track.
Add in the prospect of unpredictable weather forecast throughout the weekend and this promises to be a cracker, so here is everything that you need to know ahead of 2021 Styrian Grand Prix.
Track Guide
Circuit: Red Bull Ring
Laps: 71
Race Distance: 306.452km
Tyre Compounds: C2, C3 & C4
Schedule
| Date | Session | Time (BST) |
| Friday 25 June | FP1 | 10:30am |
| Friday 25 June | FP2 | 2:00pm |
| Saturday 26 June | FP3 | 11:00am |
| Saturday 26 June | Qualifying | 2:00pm |
| Sunday 27 June | Race | 2:00pm |
Five Key Pointers
- Mercedes face a crunch test if they’re to rediscover their form on a track in which they have won in six of the last eight visits but have struggled with hot track temperatures in recent visits.
- With the track situated 660m above sea level, extracting maximum power whilst keeping the car cool will be a tough ask for all teams no matter the weather conditions.
- There is a low chance of a safety car but the timing however could be crucial in terms of executing a two stop strategy or not
- With rain forecast throughout the weekend including the race itself, track position with clear visibility will be key in order to stand best chance of nailing a lap and potentially victory too.
- This circuit often requires heavy braking which will certainly provide a tricky test in dry conditions but could well be crucial at Turns Two, Three and Eight if rivers form across those corners.
Last Time Out
2020 saw two races take place at the Red Bull Ring with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas winning the ‘Austrian Grand Prix’ which kicked off the season, although it was his teammate – Lewis Hamilton who cruised to victory in the second race ran under ‘Styrian Grand Prix’ banner after claiming pole in a wet Qualifying.
Race Recaps
If missed any of the six previous rounds of the 2021 season, please click on the links below to catch up on the missed action.