Formula 1 fans eagerly await the return to the Red Bull Ring for the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix, which will occur on Sunday, June 29, at 4:00 PM Mecca time. The first and second practice sessions kick off on Friday, June 27, with the third practice set for Saturday, June 28, and the qualifying rounds on the same day at 5:00 PM.
While the spotlight is on the present, this race carries decades of legacy and reinvention, as this circuit was once called Österreichring. For F1 fans, the Austrian Grand Prix is not just another stop; it’s a symbol of speed, transformation, and modern excellence.
From Österreichring to Red Bull Ring: A Track Reborn
The circuit’s history dates back to 1969, when the Österreichring was established as one of Europe’s fastest and most exhilarating tracks. Back then, drivers barely had to shift below third gear as it was all about speed. However, as F1 technology evolved, the ageing circuit struggled to maintain safety standards and was eventually deemed unfit for modern racing.
Everything changed when Red Bull took over. After a complete redevelopment and a name change, the Red Bull Ring officially returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2014. Stands were rebuilt, pit facilities upgraded, and safety modernised, bringing the iconic venue back to life.
Red Bull vs Mercedes: The Battle for Austria
Since returning in 2014, the Austrian Grand Prix has been primarily dominated by just two teams: Red Bull and Mercedes. With 12 races held at the venue since then (including double races in 2020 and 2021), Mercedes has claimed seven victories, while Red Bull has secured 5.
Only once in recent years did a different name break the trend. In 2022, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance to win and disrupt the dominance.
Mercedes’ Wins in Austria
-
Nico Rosberg (2014, 2015)
-
Lewis Hamilton (2016, 2020)
-
Valtteri Bottas (2017, 2020)
-
George Russell (2024)
Red Bull’s Wins in Austria
-
Max Verstappen (2018, 2019, double wins in 2021, 2023)
2025 Championship Standings: McLaren on the Rise
Driver Standings Ahead of the Austrian GP:
-
Oscar Piastri (Australia) – McLaren – 198 pts
-
Lando Norris (UK) – McLaren – 176 pts
-
Max Verstappen (Netherlands) – Red Bull – 155 pts
-
George Russell (UK) – Mercedes – 136 pts
-
Charles Leclerc (Monaco) – Ferrari – 104 pts
-
Lewis Hamilton (UK) – Ferrari – 79 pts
Constructor Standings Ahead of the Austrian GP:
-
McLaren – 374 pts
-
Mercedes – 199 pts
-
Ferrari – 183 pts
-
Red Bull – 162 pts
-
Williams – 55 pts