A brief trip to the Americas is followed by the true European portion of the Formula One season. This weekend sees the F1 paddock form at the Red Bull Ring in the Styrian mountains for the Austria Grand Prix. Here are some stories to look out for.
Image credit: Newspress
Two weeks ago, Formula One drivers were preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix and European fans were feeling the excitement for a late-evening race week. This weekend, things are more run of the mill for fans of the sport on the old continent as the Austrian Grand Prix couldn't be more Central European if it tried.
In fact, Round 9 of the 2023 season sees the historical Red Bull Ring host its ninth Austrian Grand Prix. And yes, it has hosted more F1 races than that since its rebranding, but those were Styrian GP races. With the grid readying its second Sprint weekend of the season, here are the big stories to look out for.
Having just watched the sole practice session of the weekend, it's obvious that the teams are desperate for data. As the session was getting under way, cars lined the pit lane anxious to get out on-track.
Much like a race weekend during which practice sessions are rained off, this format means strategy, energy usage and information on the optimal tyres simply isn't ready. This could have an impact on the running order, especially in the midfield. With car performance so close between half and dozen outfits, one can easily see their points-running car dawdling at the tail of the pack.
Located amongst mountains, the weather forecast for the Spielberg area is often unpredictable. In fact, Alpine peaks and ridges can often cause micro weather climates and storm cells meaning rain can appear at any instant. That is certainly true according to the predictions available at this time.
Throughout the weekend, high humidity and cloud cover dominate the forecast meaning rain will certainly be in the air. Whether or not water comes down on the track depends solely on where a certain cloud sits compared to a nearby mountain top.
One thing is certain however. If the rain does come down, teams will have to react in an instant. We can expect to see more surprise results akin to Hulkenberg's amazing qualifying pace in Canada.
Whilst Austria does feature a high-downforce second sector, the rest of the track is essentially four point and shoot turns breaking up a selection of long straights. Could this minimalistic layout be another to suit the Williams? If this too is a match made in heaven for the British team, one can expect Albon to make the most of the opportunity. In fact, he has seriously impressed over the last 18 months since joining the team.
Qualifying: 17:00 CET
Sprint Race: 16:30 CET
Who do you think will win the 2023 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix?
Image credit: Newspress
Two weeks ago, Formula One drivers were preparing for the Canadian Grand Prix and European fans were feeling the excitement for a late-evening race week. This weekend, things are more run of the mill for fans of the sport on the old continent as the Austrian Grand Prix couldn't be more Central European if it tried.
In fact, Round 9 of the 2023 season sees the historical Red Bull Ring host its ninth Austrian Grand Prix. And yes, it has hosted more F1 races than that since its rebranding, but those were Styrian GP races. With the grid readying its second Sprint weekend of the season, here are the big stories to look out for.
Lack of practice
The Austrian Grand Prix will host 2023's second Sprint weekend. In fact, the Azerbaijan GP at Baku saw the grid go out for two qualifying sessions and two races. That format remains for this second event and should produce lots of action on the straight line-dominated Red Bull Ring. However, the returning format does have an impact on the teams' preparedness. In fact, just one practice session before Park Fermé rules come into force mean little tinkering is allowed throughout the weekend.Having just watched the sole practice session of the weekend, it's obvious that the teams are desperate for data. As the session was getting under way, cars lined the pit lane anxious to get out on-track.
Much like a race weekend during which practice sessions are rained off, this format means strategy, energy usage and information on the optimal tyres simply isn't ready. This could have an impact on the running order, especially in the midfield. With car performance so close between half and dozen outfits, one can easily see their points-running car dawdling at the tail of the pack.
More wet running?
So far this year, the racing gods have delivered more wet weather than one can remember in living history. From the cancelled Imola GP to an evolving Monte Carlo, wet Canadian quali and damp support series races seemingly every weekend. Not to mention the Le Mans carnage of a few weeks ago.Located amongst mountains, the weather forecast for the Spielberg area is often unpredictable. In fact, Alpine peaks and ridges can often cause micro weather climates and storm cells meaning rain can appear at any instant. That is certainly true according to the predictions available at this time.
Throughout the weekend, high humidity and cloud cover dominate the forecast meaning rain will certainly be in the air. Whether or not water comes down on the track depends solely on where a certain cloud sits compared to a nearby mountain top.
One thing is certain however. If the rain does come down, teams will have to react in an instant. We can expect to see more surprise results akin to Hulkenberg's amazing qualifying pace in Canada.
Williams in the points again?
Last time out, Alexander Albon managed a tremendous result of seventh place taking home 6 points for the Williams team. This points-paying position was no doubt thanks to the Williams car's aerodynamic efficiency and straight line speed which suits circuits dominated by straights.Whilst Austria does feature a high-downforce second sector, the rest of the track is essentially four point and shoot turns breaking up a selection of long straights. Could this minimalistic layout be another to suit the Williams? If this too is a match made in heaven for the British team, one can expect Albon to make the most of the opportunity. In fact, he has seriously impressed over the last 18 months since joining the team.
How to watch the Austrian GP
As aforementioned, the 2023 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix is a Sprint race weekend. As a result, an additional qualifying and session sit on the Saturday replacing a pair of practice sessions. Therefore, if you want to keep up to date with all the action, make sure to tune in more frequently than you would on a normal weekend. Here are all the session times you must look out for.Friday
Free Practice: 13:30 CETQualifying: 17:00 CET
Saturday
Sprint Shootout: 12:00 CETSprint Race: 16:30 CET
Sunday
Grand Prix: 15:00 CETWho do you think will win the 2023 Formula One Austrian Grand Prix?
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