Austrian Gp Recap: Chaos And Controversy

what happened at austrian gp

The Austrian Grand Prix is a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned motor racing event that was held in 1964, 1970–1987, and 1997–2003. After a 10-year absence, it returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014 and has remained since. The race takes place at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria, and is a home favourite for Red Bull Racing. The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix will take place over 71 laps of the 4.318-kilometre track on June 29.

Characteristics Values
Year 2025
Date June 26-29
Location Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria
Lap Length 4.318 km
Number of Laps 71
Notable Incidents Late-race collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris
Winner George Russell (Mercedes)

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The Austrian Grand Prix was held at the Zeltweg Air Base in 1964 and 1970-1987

The Austrian Grand Prix was first held at the Zeltweg Air Base, located in the Austrian state of Styria, in 1964. The base was established in 1937 and is the largest Austrian air force base. It is home to the Austrian air force's Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, the Austrian air force museum, and the AirPower airshow.

The Zeltweg Air Base circuit was built in 1959, inspired by the UK's Silverstone Circuit, which was also constructed on an airfield site. However, the engineers at Zeltweg failed to account for the abrasive nature of the track surface, which led to the venue being criticised as too dangerous for racing. As a result, the Austrian Grand Prix moved to a permanent track at the neighbouring Österreichring in Spielberg after 1969.

The Österreichring, or "Austria circuit", was located near Zeltweg in the scenic Styrian mountains. The track was known for its high-speed corners and long straights, making it a popular venue among drivers. The Austrian Grand Prix was held at this location from 1970 to 1987, with the exception of 1975 when it was designated as the European Grand Prix.

After a ten-year absence, the Austrian Grand Prix returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014 and has remained a fixture since then. The race is currently held at the Red Bull Ring, the renamed Österreichring, owned by the Austrian drinks company Red Bull.

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In 1997-2003, the race took place at the Österreichring, now called the Red Bull Ring

The Austrian Grand Prix (German: Großer Preis von Österreich) is a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned motor racing event. Between 1997 and 2003, the race took place at the Österreichring, now known as the Red Bull Ring due to its ownership by the Austrian drinks company of the same name. The track is located in Spielberg, southeastern Austria, and was built in 1969. The original name, Österreichring, translates literally to "Austria circuit". The track is situated in the scenic Styrian mountains and is known for its high-speed, long corners.

The first Austrian Grand Prix at the Österreichring in 1970 was dominated by Ferrari, whose more powerful Flat-12 engines gave them a significant advantage. The following year, Swiss driver Jo Siffert took the win in his BRM, with Briton Jackie Stewart taking his second Drivers' Championship. In 1975, the Austrian Grand Prix was designated the European Grand Prix, an honorary title given to one Grand Prix race in Europe each year.

After a ten-year absence, the Austrian Grand Prix returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014 and has remained since. The race typically takes place during the mid-season rounds of the Formula One World Championship, with the exception of 2020, when it was held as the season opener due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Red Bull Ring continues to be the venue for the Austrian Grand Prix, with the 2025 race scheduled to take place over 71 laps of the 4.318-kilometre track.

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After a 10-year hiatus, the event returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014

The Austrian Grand Prix is a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned motor racing event. After a 10-year hiatus, the event returned to the Formula One calendar in 2014, where it has remained since.

The race has been held at two different locations in southeastern Austria. It was originally held in Zeltweg, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Graz. Since 1969, the race has taken place in neighbouring Spielberg, with the venues being within 4 km of each other. The first Austrian Grand Prix was held at the Zeltweg Air Base for its first non-Championship running in 1963. The race was won by Australian Jack Brabham. The first championship event took place the following year and was won by Italian Lorenzo Bandini, who won his only Formula One championship race in a Ferrari.

Since 1970, the race has been held at the Österreichring, currently known as the Red Bull Ring due to its ownership by the Austrian drinks company of the same name. The track was built in the scenic Styrian mountains and was a fast, flowing track where every corner was high speed and long. The 1971 race saw Swiss driver Jo Siffert dominate in his BRM, and Briton Jackie Stewart took his second Drivers' Championship.

The Austrian Grand Prix is typically held during the mid-season rounds of the Formula One World Championship. However, there was an exception in 2020 when it was held as the season opener due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That year, an additional race called the Styrian Grand Prix was also held at the Red Bull Ring.

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The Styrian Grand Prix was introduced in 2020 and held at the Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring, originally called the Österreichring, was built in 1969 in Spielberg, near Zeltweg, where the Austrian Grand Prix was held from 1970 to 1987. The track is known for its scenic location and fast, flowing design, with every corner being high-speed and long. It is also considered one of the most picturesque circuits on the current F1 calendar, offering relatively easy access and top-notch organization.

The Styrian Grand Prix has provided exciting races, with Max Verstappen winning both rounds from pole position in 2021. The official lap record for the current circuit layout was set by Carlos Sainz Jr. driving for McLaren in the 2020 Styrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Ring has also witnessed historic moments, such as Austrian driver Gerhard Berger leading the early laps in 1986 and Italian Elio de Angelis winning a close race against Finn Keke Rosberg in 1984.

In addition to the Formula One races, the Red Bull Ring has hosted various other championships, including the FIA Formula 2 and Formula 3 Championships, the DTM and F2 seasons, and MotoGP events. The track was also renamed the "Niki Lauda Turn" in honour of the late 3-time Formula One World Champion in 2019. The Styrian Grand Prix has become a popular addition to the Formula One calendar, offering a challenging race for drivers and a well-organized event for spectators in the beautiful Styrian countryside.

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The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix will take place over 71 laps of the Red Bull Ring

The Austrian Grand Prix is a Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile-sanctioned motor racing event. It was held in 1964, 1970–1987, and 1997–2003, before returning to the Formula One calendar in 2014, where it has remained since. The race has been held at two different locations in southeastern Austria, originally taking place in Zeltweg before moving to neighbouring Spielberg in 1969. The track in Zeltweg was deemed too dangerous, with a narrow and bumpy design and poor viewing areas for spectators.

Since 1970, the race has been held at the Österreichring, currently known as the Red Bull Ring due to its ownership by the Austrian drinks company Red Bull GmbH. The track is located in the scenic Styrian mountains and is known for its high-speed, long corners. The 2025 Austrian Grand Prix will take place at this track in Spielberg, covering 71 laps of the 4.318-kilometre circuit.

The Austrian Grand Prix is typically held during the mid-season rounds of the Formula One World Championship. However, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as the season opener. That year also saw the introduction of an additional race at the Red Bull Ring, called the Styrian Grand Prix.

The Austrian Grand Prix has a history of exciting races, with notable wins by drivers such as Jack Brabham, Lorenzo Bandini, Jo Siffert, Jackie Stewart, Elio de Angelis, Niki Lauda, and Alain Prost. The 1985 race saw a spectacular crash by Andrea de Cesaris at the Panorama Curve, while the 2023 race was won by George Russell after a late-race collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

Frequently asked questions

The Austrian Grand Prix is typically held during the mid-season rounds of the Formula One World Championship. However, in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was held as the season opener.

The Austrian Grand Prix has been held at two locations in southeastern Austria. It was originally held in Zeltweg and has taken place in neighbouring Spielberg since 1969.

In 1984, Austrian driver Niki Lauda took victory at the Austrian Grand Prix in his McLaren.

The 1985 Austrian Grand Prix saw a fearsome crash at the Panorama Curve when Andrea de Cesaris rolled his Ligier, leading to his firing from the team.

George Russell from Mercedes won the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix after a late-race collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.

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