Austrian Grand Prix preview: Verstappen seeks redemption, as McLaren look to extend lead
The Austrian Grand Prix set to take place from June 27 to June 29 at the Red Bull Ring, is one of the shortest and fastest tracks on the calendar. It marks the 11th race of the 2025 Formula One season and is also considered as the home race for Red Bull Racing. The Red Bull Ring is a 4.318 km circuit with 10 turns where the race is run for 71 laps.advertisementThis Grand Prix has historically been a favourite for Dutch driver Max Verstappen, who has claimed victory at the circuit four times—the most by any F1 driver. The circuit suits Verstappen's aggressive driving style. While he has won four back-to-back races at the circuit, the record for the fastest lap at the venue is held by Carlos Sainz, who clocked 1:05.619 in 2020 while driving a Ferrari.Last year's Austrian GP saw a dramatic conclusion after a collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris during the closing laps, which allowed Mercedes' George Russell to take the win.Verstappen NorrisIncredible scenes at the Red Bull Ring #F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/YvD0dg2TUH— Formula 1 (@F1) June 30, 2024
For McLaren, the race comes at a critical time after the crash at the Canadian Grand Prix. Lando Norris ended up not finishing the race, while Oscar Piastri finished fourth, reducing the points gap between Verstappen and the McLaren duo.advertisementMcLaren has also announced that Lando Norris will not take part in Free Practice 1 this weekend. In his place, 19-year-old Irish driver Alex Dunne will drive the McLaren, becoming the first Irish driver in 22 years to participate in an F1 race weekend.With one of the fastest cars on the grid, the big question is: will McLaren work together to take the first two positions on the podium and extend their championship lead, or will Verstappen reclaim his crown at his favourite track and close the gap in the standings?Also, after their win in Canada, will Mercedes continue the momentum and go for back-to-back wins at the Austrian GP?F1 Driver Standings in 2025 So FarDRIVER | TEAM | POINTSOscar Piastri | McLaren | 198Lando Norris | McLaren | 176Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 155George Russell | Mercedes | 136Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 104Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 79Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 63Alexander Albon | Williams | 42Esteban Ocon | Haas | 22Isack Hajdar | Racing Bulls | 21Nico Hulkenberg | Kick Sauber | 20Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 14Carlos Sainz | Williams | 13Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 11Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Racing | 10Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 8Oliver Bearman | Haas | 6Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 4Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber | 0Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 0- Ends
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