The 2024 Formula 1 World Championship heads to the Red Bull Ring, set in the Styrian hills, this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The race, which is the 11th round on the calendar, is the second of a triple round and will host the third Sprint race of the season, following the Chinese and Miami Grands Prix. The Sprint race is an independent points race that takes place on Saturday, before the qualifying session for Sunday’s main race. She has her own qualifying session which takes place on Friday, after a single practice session.
The Red Bull Ring, where all the action will take place, is known for its high corners and is considered one of the toughest tests for suspensions. This is especially true of the kerbs at the exits of Turns 1, 6 and 7, which are hard on the cars due to their height and the speed at which the cars are travelling.
The circuit also stands out for having one of the shortest tracks of the season, at just 2.688 miles. This means that a lap takes just over a minute to complete.
![Red Bull Ring, home of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix Red Bull Ring, home of the Austrian Formula 1 Grand Prix](https://thegurumedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/red-bull-ring-home-of-the-formula-1-austrian-grand-prix_100847304_l.jpg)
Red Bull Ring, home of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix
There are four long straights, as well as three DRS zones. The latter are located on the main straight, uphill from Turns 2 to 3 and between Turns 3 and 4. One change this year is the addition of a wide gravel strip at the exit of Turn 9, designed to reduce track limit violations. . .
The track surface is highly abrasive, but with only 10 corners the lateral forces exerted on the tyres are relatively low, resulting in very limited overall wear. As a result, Pirelli has named its softest compounds C3, C4 and C5.
Another factor to consider during the Austrian round is the weather. Due to the high altitude location of the Red Bull Ring mountain, which sits at approximately 2,100 feet, temperatures can be a bit chilly and the weather unpredictable. The current forecast calls for good conditions with peak temperatures reaching around 85 degrees F.
At the weekend, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen leads the drivers’ championship with 219 points. McLaren’s Lando Norris is second with 150 points and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is third with 148 points. In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull leads with 330 points. Ferrari is second with 270 points and McLaren is third with 237 points. Last year’s winner in Austria was Verstappen, driving for Red Bull.