Styrian Grand Prix – Presentation and editorial predictions

For the first time in the 2021 F1 season, two Grand Prix races will take place consecutively on the same circuit. And just like last season when it even hosted the opening of a season delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the Red Bull Ring that is hosting this event.

One of the shortest circuits of the season

With only 4,318 km and just 8 turns, the Spielberg track is one of the shortest circuits of the 2021 season. In the past, the Red Bull Ring was larger and was called the Österreichring, built in 1969 and hosting the Austrian Grand Prix from 1970 to 1987. Then, it was renovated and redesigned by Hermann Tilke in 1995 and renamed A1-Ring in reference to the Austrian telecommunications operator of the same name, hosting Formula 1 again from 1997 to 2003. Finally, after the demolition of the buildings and stands in 2004, it was bought the following year by Red Bull and was rebuilt identically for the modest sum of 70 million euros. The Spielberg circuit eventually returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014 and has hosted the Austrian Grand Prix every year since.

Thanks to its three DRS zones, two of which end in heavy braking, this circuit offers many overtaking opportunities. Example with the memorable Leclerc-Verstappen battle of 2019:

This means that starting in pole position will not guarantee victory, which promises us an exciting and undecided Grand Prix.

The Austrian circuit is also very hilly. Located in the middle of a forest, it offers a breathtaking setting.

Rain announced for the tests, but race under the sun.

An exciting and undecided Grand Prix rightly so: rain and even thunderstorms will show up on Friday and Saturday and will disrupt the qualifying sessions. We can expect surprises like last year when Esteban Ocon brilliantly qualified in fifth position at the wheel of his Renault.

On the other hand, the race should take place under a clear sky, accompanied by the sun, which bodes well for a return of the established hierarchy.

Red Bull at home, Verstappen for the fourth win?

As the name of the circuit reminds us, Red Bull owns the Spielberg circuit and is therefore racing at home this weekend. The Austrian team arrives here in an ideal position as they lead both championships. Winner here in 2019 at the Austrian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen will be keen to repeat the feat and thus win his fourth victory of the season in order to increase his lead in the championship over Sir Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes.

Ferrari will be keen to achieve a very good result here after the mistake at Le Castellet and aims to pocket big points and put even more pressure on McLaren for third place in the championship.

Daniel Ricciardo plans to continue the positive momentum started at the French Grand Prix.

As for Pierre Gasly, he will have a tough challenge against his compatriot Esteban Ocon and his Alpine as he tries to secure another top 5 finish. As for his teammate, rookie Tsunoda, he must avoid making mistakes on his employer’s circuit.

Different compound choices for the two Grand Prix.

Ready for our first ride on the Red Bull Ring rollercoaster? #StyrianGP #Fit4F1
Discover more: https://t.co/0B5dNmbloe pic.twitter.com/WJWX5YPUk8

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) June 21, 2021

Before bringing its softest range to the Austrian GP, Pirelli will be more conservative this weekend and will offer the C2, C3, and C4.

No more bets, please!

The editorial predictions:

Schedule of the Styrian Grand Prix

The start of the Grand Prix will be this Sunday, June 27th at 3:00 PM. Find here the schedules to know with our TV program!