Dakar Rally News: Austria’s Red Bull Ring Promises Exciting Sprint Weekend for F1
Spielberg, Austria (June 26, 2024) – As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches the halfway point, the focus shifts to the Red Bull Ring in the stunning Styrian mountains for the upcoming sprint weekend event. While Max Verstappen’s lead in the championship has grown to an impressive 69 points, the battle at the front remains fiercely competitive, setting the stage for an thrilling showdown in Austria.
The Red Bull-owned circuit has long been a favorite among drivers and fans alike, and with recent upgrades including the addition of gravel traps at Turns 9 and 10 to prevent repeated track limit chaos, the stage is set for an action-packed weekend. Red Bull principal Christian Horner has acknowledged the threat posed by McLaren’s Lando Norris, stating “On such a short lap it’s going to be so tight.”
Weather Forecast
The weather in the Styrian mountains is expected to be hot and sunny, with highs of 30°C, although Sunday’s race could be impacted by the possibility of scattered thunderstorms and rain.
Circuit History
The Austrian Grand Prix, which has a rich history dating back to the 1970s, was relaunched and rebranded by Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz in 2011, bringing the circuit back onto the Formula 1 calendar. In recent years, the Red Bull Ring has played a crucial role in the sport, hosting the opening two races of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign.
Verstappen, the defending champion, will be aiming for a clean sweep of the weekend’s sessions, having achieved that feat in 2023. However, with McLaren and Ferrari also eyeing strong results, the battle at the front promises to be fiercely contested, making the Austrian Grand Prix a must-watch event for Dakar and GT racing enthusiasts.
🔗 Source