Formula 1 returns to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix amidst a heating championship battle, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Spielberg hills.
In the Drivers` Championship, Oscar Piastri holds a 22-point lead over Lando Norris, following a dramatic retirement for Norris after a collision between the McLaren teammates in the recent Canadian Grand Prix.
Despite closing the gap, Max Verstappen is still 43 points behind Piastri. He will be aiming for victory at Red Bull`s home circuit, the Red Bull Ring, where he boasts five previous wins.
George Russell secured victory in last year`s Austrian Grand Prix, delivering Mercedes` first win of 2025 in Montreal, where Kimi Antonelli also achieved his maiden podium finish.
Ferrari is expected to introduce upgrades in Spielberg, seeking to bring Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton closer to the front of the grid.
The Formula 2 and Formula 3 support races also return, promising a packed weekend of motorsport action in Austria.
Red Bull Ring Track Layout
The Red Bull Ring is one of the shortest circuits on the calendar in terms of lap time. Pole position in a dry session is expected to be set in the 1:03s.
The 2.7-mile track officially features 10 corners, but only seven require significant braking. It is considered an excellent track for overtaking, featuring three consecutive DRS zones extending from the main straight through to Turn 4.
The uphill section towards Turn 3 has been the scene of notable incidents, including collisions between Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton in 2016 (last lap), Verstappen and Leclerc in 2019, and Verstappen and Norris in 2024.
The lap concludes with two fast right-hand corners where track limits were previously a challenge, but the addition of gravel traps on the exits has helped mitigate this issue.
Austrian GP Weather in Spielberg
Currently, the weather forecast for the Austrian Grand Prix weekend predicts no rain for any sessions. Temperatures are expected to be around 30°C throughout the three days, with sunny conditions.
However, teams remain aware that sudden thunderstorms can develop in the Spielberg hills at any time.
Austrian GP Dates, UK Start Time and Schedule
Here is the live schedule:
- Sunday June 29
- 7:25 am: F3 Feature Race
- 8:55 am: F2 Feature Race
- 10:40 am: Porsche Supercup
- 12:30 pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Austrian GP build-up
- 2:00 pm: THE AUSTRIAN GRAND PRIX
- 4:00 pm: Chequered Flag: Austrian GP reaction
- 5:00 pm: Ted`s Notebook
How to Watch or Stream the Austrian Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland
For viewers in the UK and Ireland, the Austrian Grand Prix weekend can be watched live.
Subscribers can watch from the first practice session on Friday afternoon through to the main race on Sunday, June 29 at 2 pm.
App access is available for subscribers, offering the option to watch from any driver`s onboard camera.
Non-subscribers can stream the action with a streaming pass option that allows for cancellation at any time.
Live coverage of the race weekend is also available through a dedicated F1 live blog.
Highlights of the race are available shortly after the chequered flag.
How to Watch the Austrian GP on Mobile via App
Subscribers using a mobile app can:
- Open the relevant sports app.
- Navigate to the `Watch` section for pre-race build-up on Sunday, starting at 12:30 pm, ahead of the 2 pm race start.
- Select the appropriate sports channel.
- Sign in with your service provider ID (typically required only once).
Streaming services offer instant access to sports channels. These are often app-based services, allowing streaming across numerous devices. They often provide contract-free membership options.
The next event for the 2025 Formula 1 season is the return to Europe for the Austrian Grand Prix.
Marcus Prine