via Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates with sparkling wine on the podium after winning the race alongside second placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and third placed Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/Yves Herman
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates with sparkling wine on the podium after winning the race alongside second placed Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and third placed Red Bull’s Sergio Perez REUTERS/Yves Herman
Although the effects of the French Grand Prix are yet to wear off, there’s no rest for the weary. The next phase of an exciting triple-header this season heads to Austria this weekend, with the Styrian Grand Prix up next.
Drivers will take part in three practice sessions, followed by qualifying and the main race in the Red Bull Ring this weekend. Although the Ring will host back-to-back races starting this reason, the first one is titled the ‘Styrian Grand Prix’ because of Styria, the Austrian state in which the track is located.
The on-track action begins on Friday, June 25 with two out of three free practice sessions. FP1 commences at 11:30am local time and 9:30am GMT, while FP2 commences at 3:00pm local time and 1:00pm GMT.
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FP3, the final practice session, will take place on Saturday, June 26 at 12:00pm local time and 10:00am GMT. Post the practice sessions, the all-important qualifying sessions will begin at 3:00pm local time and 1:00pm GMT.
On Sunday, June 27, the weekend ends with the race, which will start at 3:00pm local time and 1:00pm GMT.
What can fans expect from the 2021 Styrian Grand Prix?
While Red Bull return to their home race this weekend, they carry good form heading into the Styrian Grand Prix. With Max Verstappen winning the recently concluded French Grand Prix, Red Bull took their first double podium of the season after Sergio Perez finished P3.
via Reuters
Formula One F1 – French Grand Prix – Circuit Paul Ricard, Le Castellet, France – June 20, 2021 Red Bull’s Max Verstappen celebrates after winning the race with third placed Red Bull’s Sergio Perez Pool via REUTERS/Nicolas Tucat
In addition, they extended their lead in both championships in France. Verstappen now leads Lewis Hamilton by 12 points in the driver’s championship, while Red Bull lead Mercedes by 37 points in the constructor’s championship.
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Although Red Bull are in good form, Mercedes have history on their side with Valtteri Bottas winning the Styrian Grand Prix last year. However, they don’t look as quick as last season, despite winning three races in 2021.
The midfield battle between McLaren and Ferrari looks set to continue this weekend, with Lando Norris‘ track record here speaking volumes of his talent. After a disappointing race in Le Castellet, the Italian outfit will look to bounce back in Styria, with the battle for 3rd place intensifying.
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Pierre Gasly will look to continue his scoring run, while AlphaTauri will hope Yuki Tsunoda can regain his confidence to bring valuable points. After his third successive Top 10 finish, Sebastian Vettel will look to continue his good run of form this weekend, with Aston Martin and AlphaTauri separated by fine margins.
READ MORE: Who Owns the Red Bull F1 Team?
