Formula 1 moves to Austria this weekend with rivalries heating up, especially between Max Verstappen and George Russell, whose on-track clashes have drawn attention in recent races. Russell won the Canadian Grand Prix ahead of Verstappen, despite protests from Red Bull claiming unsportsmanlike behaviour.
The two drivers also collided earlier this month in Spain, with Verstappen blamed. He remains close to a race ban, though two of his penalty points will expire after the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen, a four-time winner in Austria, hopes to continue his strong record at Red Bull’s home race, with his fans set to fill the stands.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner admitted the team may struggle in Austria’s middle sector corners, especially if temperatures are high, a condition that may suit McLaren. Despite this, Horner said they’re far from giving up and there’s still a long way to go in the season.
Last year’s Austrian GP saw Verstappen and Lando Norris collide, handing victory to Russell. This year, Norris comes in trailing his teammate Oscar Piastri after crashing out in Canada. Norris took full responsibility for the mistake and knows he must bounce back quickly.
McLaren’s form in Canada raised concerns, as for the first time this season, they didn’t reach the podium or front row. Meanwhile, Mercedes had their best result so far, with rookie Kimi Antonelli finishing third.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says Austria will be a key test of the team’s latest upgrades. The track also has fond memories for McLaren, it’s where Norris took his first F1 podium in 2020 and where their recent rise began in 2023.
Friday will also see new talent in action. Ireland’s Alex Dunne will take Norris’s place in the first practice session, becoming the first Irish driver to appear in a Grand Prix weekend since 2003. At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc will step aside to give Swedish driver Dino Beganovic track time.
As rivalries grow and pressure builds, all eyes now turn to Austria for the next chapter in this thrilling F1 season.
