The first triple-header has just started, which means F1 doesn't stop this weekend. We stay in Europe, in the territory of the reigning world champions. We are a Spielberg, for the Austrian GP, let's discover the secrets of the circuit, the Red Bull Ring.
Austrian GP, raced on the Red Bull circuit
Il Red Bull Ring is a permanent route located in the Spielberg region near Knittelfeld. Long 4318 meters, is the path shorter than the calendar. Presents 10 curves e 3 DRS zones. The first on the main straight, the second between 1 and 3 and the third between 3 and 4. It was the scene of many changes over the years, but the circuit we know today was born only in 1996 with the name of A-1 Ring. In reality, however, the first F1 race on the old track called Österreichring was run in 1970.
From 2018 to today, one rider among all has always shown off on the Austrian track: Max Verstappen. He is the one who has the most wins here with 4, Followed by Alain Prost and 3. Those of SuperMax are only the only victories of the home team Red Bull. In fact, in first place we find paired with 6 victories Ferrari e McLaren. At the pole position level, we find 5 riders with the same number of first places in qualifying: Niki Lauda, Rene Arnoux, Nelson Piquet, Valtteri Bottas e Max Verstappen.
The absolute record belongs to Valtteri Bottas (2020) in 1'02 "939, while the official one a Carlos Sainz (2020) in 1'05 "619.
Traction is essential, watch out for tire and brake wear
The main feature of the Austrian Grand Prix is that you run on high ground. On the machines we will therefore see many open slits, as the air is rarefied and the engine is more difficult to cool.
Understand what the best setup will be it will not be easy, also because it is a weekend with the Sprint Race. The mechanics will therefore find themselves having to make the most of it the only free practice session. Historically, however, we have always opted for a configuration from medium load.
Here the straights are king, so they will be useful excellent speeds of the tip. But if we take the second sector we find many supported curves where the traction is critical. Therefore also pay attention to thetire wear. There are three most demanding braking sections, namely those at the end of the various fast sections (turns 1, 3 and 4). We pass from eighth to third gear. It will therefore be a very demanding weekend for the tyres, but above all for the tires brakes.
McLaren and Red Bull for the victory, watch out for Ferrari
Year to date, is no longer so simple to make predictions. If we first found a net dominance of Verstappen, now everyone is very close. Without a doubt, the reigning world champion remains the favorite for what he is demonstrating. However, the strongest machine seems to be there McLaren, which he will just have to learn to manage delicate situations better. After two performances undertone by Ferrari, the Red Bull Ring should be better for the Red. The engine is excellent, and the Maranello car can have its say on traction. To understand if Mercedes he will continue his excellent time in Spielberg too.
ARTICLE BY FRANCESCO ORLANDO
