The Austrian Grand Prix takes place at the Red Bull Ring on Sunday 1 July and it seems to be splitting opinion for the drivers. Whilst Hamilton has warned fans that it is very difficult to overtake on this course, Verstappen has declared that the Austrian Grand Prix will be fun to watch. Racing at his team’s home racecourse will be an exciting prospect for him, with huge numbers of orange-wearing supporters cheering him on (orange as in the colour, not the fruit!).
Sahara Force India F1 team
The Austrian Grand Prix will be the 200th grand prix for the team, making it that bit extra special this time around. Drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon currently occupy the 12th and 13th places in the Formula 1 driver standings going into the race in Spielberg.
Views from the McLaren team
McLaren will be looking to vastly improve on their results in last weekend’s French Grand Prix, where neither Alonso or Vandoorne picked up any points, finishing 16th and 12 respectively. Alonso reflected on the recent disappointment “After a disappointing result, the best thing you can do is move on, so it’s good that we have another race this weekend.” He also warned of how the five big corners are ‘always ready to bite if you overcommit.’
McLaren team mate Vandoorne says that he really enjoys this track and believes that the addition of a third DRS zone between Turns 1 and 2 will add to the excitement of the race.
F1 Driver Standings
Meanwhile, Hamilton and Vettel are getting some distance between themselves and the chasing pack in the driver standings, which they will both be looking to increase even further in Austria.
Home advantage?
Could the home team thrive under the spectator support? The Red Bull team will certainly be hoping that is the case. With Ricciardo picking up the most points for the team so far this season, Verstappen will be trying his best to get a podium finish in this race.
