Not even time to understand and analyze what happened on the track in Barcelona, which the Formula 1 stops in Austria. We go to Spielberg for a weekend full of news, especially considering the return of the Sprint. A change which, obviously, will also lead to some different structures of the times of the Austrian GP, keeping in mind the Sprint format, characterized by a single free practice session, the Sprint Shootout and the Sprint. Three events before giving way to qualifying on Saturday afternoon, in view of the race scheduled for Sunday at 15pm.
Verstappen also leading in Austria?
We will obviously start again from Max Verstappen. In his team's home stage, the Dutchman wants to achieve victory, like the one obtained in Barcelona. It won't be easy, especially considering McLaren's desire to continue to put pressure on the Milton Keynes team. In Spain for Norris was a wasted opportunity: the Briton was unable to defend himself at the start, losing two positions, and completely wasted the pole position achieved on Saturday. In Austria, however, there is an opportunity to make up for it, thanks also to the strength of the car. The only one, perhaps, that continued to make improvements based on the updates it brought to the track. Now, however, it will also be necessary to materialise, as in Formula 1 it is not just the car that makes the difference.
Ferrari seeks redemption
Who necessarily has the objective of redemption is the Ferrari. The Scuderia from Maranello is fresh from fifth and sixth place in Spain characterized by a less than positive 'clash' between Leclerc and Sainz. Ferrari will clearly go to Austria to forget what happened and to try to raise its head again, considering the steps forward made by McLaren - now almost too far ahead of the Red - and by Mercedes, who wants to continue to demonstrate the great steps forward made over the last few weeks also on the Red Bul Ring track.
How the Austrian GP times change with the Sprint format
The Austrian GP will be characterized by the Sprint format which will also lead to changes in the timetables. We will start as always on Friday with the first (and last) free practice session. In the afternoon, however, there is room for Sprint Shootout. On Saturday morning the Sprint, while in the afternoon the qualifications which will decide the starting grid for the race, scheduled for Sunday. It will be possible to follow everything live on Sky and streaming on NOW.
F1, Austrian GP: weekend times
Friday 28 June
12.30 Free Practice 1
16.30pm Sprint Shootout
Saturday June 29th
12.00 Sprints
16.00 pm Qualifications
Sunday 30 June
15.00 Race
