Some people still have to cope with the last pain. Others, like Mick Schumacher, want to repeat the recent day of joy. It’s time for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The excitement of Silverstone has just subsided in Formula 1, there it is already going on. This time on Sunday in Styria. Idyllic images, a tough fight on the track that suits you very well: the world champion.
Who is the favorite for the Austrian Grand Prix?
At least Max Verstappen knows best how to do it. The current world championship leader and defending champion has won more times than any other current driver on the ring of his employer Red Bull. In 2018, 2019 and twice in 2021, the Dutchman was flagged down first at the finish line. And after the damage limitation last time in Silverstone with seventh place, Verstappen wants one thing above all: to perfect the victory hat-trick in Spielberg, where again many Dutch fans should create a good atmosphere.
The question is what Ferrari is doing with World Championship candidate Charles Leclerc and Silverstone winner Carlos Sainz and how close can Mercedes with superstar Lewis Hamilton get closer to their first win of the season.
How is Guanyu Zhou after the serious accident?
He will tell that himself this Thursday. The 23-year-old Chinese had already told his fans via Instagram that he was hotter than ever to return to the track after his headfirst crash through the gravel bed with the Alfa Romeo. Zhou had survived the violent departure, which ended in the safety fence, practically unharmed. The muscles and joints are likely to have hurt longer.
The same applies to Alexander Albon from Williams, who slowed down the training with his coach a bit, but feels “pretty normal” again after his accident.
Can Mick Schumacher score points again?
Even if the updates for the Haas race car will take a little longer, there is actually nothing to be said against it. Especially since the 23-year-old German likes the course, a lot. “All the mountains, the ‘Heidi-esque’ mood, it’s super cool,” says Mick Schumacher. And the track has always been good for him. He still has one wish: rain.
Special features of the Austrian Grand Prix
The course is about 670 meters above sea level. That also means that it will be a bit more challenging for the brakes and the engine. Mainly because the course is so short and so fast. The lap record on the 4.138 kilometer track is just under 63 seconds. The problem is that this leaves little time for the particularly stressed parts to cool down.
And on this course there is now also the second sprint race of the season. After free practice on Friday, qualification continues on the same day. On Saturday there will be another one-hour training session, then the run, which has been shortened to around 100 kilometers, will start. The result then determines the starting order for Sunday’s race.
