Austrian Grand Prix F1 Predictions: Can Lewis Hamilton Beat Max Verstappen After Allison’s Mercedes Promise?

It’s time for Round 9 of the 2021 F1 season with the Austrian Grand Prix. The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg plays host for a second successive race in the ongoing season. Although it hosted a Mercedes dominated double-header last season, this season looks far from a repeat of 2020.

The battle between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton looks set to continue in the Styrian mountains, with the two drivers far ahead of the rest of the field. However, the midfield battle may yield a different look, with half the teams shuffling places across the 71-lap race last weekend.

Mercedes and Red Bull set to battle at the front of the grid again

The Silver Arrows and their Austrian rivals look to round up the top four places yet again this Sunday. Although Red Bull only had Verstappen on the podium last weekend, Sergio Perez showed excellent pace during the race, which makes him a strong candidate for a podium finish this weekend.

However, Mercedes CTO James Allison mentioned they could bring new improvements to the car in 2021. While the impact of these improvements remain a mystery, they could help Hamilton mount a stiffer challenge to Verstappen.

Although Verstappen and Hamilton look most likely to battle for the race win, don’t be surprised if Valtteri Bottas or Perez cause an upset.

READ MORE: WATCH: Max Verstappen Displays his Masterclass as a 12 Year Old on Karts

AlphaTauri could upset McLaren and Ferrari in the Austrian Grand Prix

Although Pierre Gasly didn’t finish a single lap last weekend, he displayed excellent pace throughout the weekend. With his harsh experience on June 27, the Frenchman could pose a major threat to McLaren and Ferrari‘s points finishes. In addition to that, Yuki Tsunoda’s impressive race last weekend could provide more hope for Red Bull’s sister team.

Lando Norris remains the only driver to score points in all races this season. As his teammate Daniel Ricciardo‘s struggles continue, McLaren can count on the Briton to keep the points coming in their battle with Ferrari.

Despite Ferrari admitting their focus is on 2022, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc will look to upstage an in-form Norris on July 4. While that task is easier said than done, Leclerc looks a more confident driver after his P7 finish last weekend.

Although George Russell didn’t finish the race last weekend, he held on to P8 for several laps. The 23-year-old could spring a major upset by scoring his first points with Williams, which could affect other teams.

While the race may seem a formality given Red Bull’s dominance, the weather could play a huge role this weekend. With rains forecasted for the weekend, expect a few spills and thrills in the last race of this exciting triple-header.

READ MORE: Why is Austria Hosting Two F1 Races – Styrian & Austrian Grand Prix?