F1 | GP AUSTRIA, GIAN CARLO MINARDI “QUALIFYING DECIDED BY THOUSANDTHS OF A SECOND”

Formula 1 arrives in Austria’s Red Bull Ring where the teams will find unusually hot weather with temperatures that could reach 30° waiting for them. This is surely an unusual setting for this GP which, together with the very abrasive asphalt, could put the C3-C4-C5 chosen to Pirelli to the test.

Additionally, gravel traps have been added to bends 9 and 10 in order to limit the track limits between the kerbs and the concrete escape ramp which could cause difficulties for the drivers.

So, it promises to be a hot weekend both in terms of the weather, and in terms of sport, with the management of the tyres playing a very important role. Let us not forget that last year the 4,318m of the track were covered in barely 1:04.314 (Max Verstappen’s best time). This translates into a fiery qualifying session, probably decided by thousandths of a second where the slightest slip is enough to risk not making it through to the next round.

Despite the result in Canada, McLaren remains the car of reference, but we must keep an eye on Mercedes, on the rise after Russell’s first win of the season and the first podium of his career by Antonelli. Ferrari will take to the track with a new skid pad which should resolve the ground clearance problems pending further developments in England. Never underestimate the usual Verstappen who is racing at home, together with the team.

Gian Carlo Minardi