IT’S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we’re excited about ahead of the 2025 Austrian Grand Prix

Recent from the mid-summer go to to North America, it’s again to Europe for the subsequent few months, beginning with a double-header.

After the drama of the closing phases in Canada, the subsequent cease is one other venue that has supplied loads of motion in recent times as we head for the Crimson Bull Ring in Austria.

Can Mercedes repeat in additional methods than one?

Mercedes arrives in Austria off the again of their greatest weekend of the yr thus far, with George Russell successful from pole place in Montreal and Kimi Antonelli selecting up his first podium in third place.

A yr in the past, Mercedes had additionally been extraordinarily aggressive in Canada however did not win, after which had a more durable time of issues on the Crimson Bull Ring. Regardless of that, they ended up with a victory as Russell took benefit of the late contact between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, because the crew went on a very robust mid-season run.

Given the shape that they confirmed final day trip, might Mercedes be within the combine on the entrance as soon as once more?

If they’re to take action, they might want a little bit of assist from the climate forecast, that exhibits a cool and doubtlessly damp begin to the race weekend, however larger temperatures coming into play by the point Qualifying and the race happen.

Norris responding after his Canada error

The Canadian Grand Prix was a uncommon off-weekend for McLaren, who had been nonetheless extraordinarily aggressive however did not qualify on the entrance row or end with a automobile on the rostrum. That marked the primary time this season that both of these milestones had been missed, however they had been combating for third place when their two vehicles got here collectively late on.

Lando Norris took full responsibility for the contact with Oscar Piastri, that ended Norris’ race however didn’t forestall his crew mate from occurring to complete fourth.

It was a troublesome second for Norris, however his response helped defuse a doubtlessly extra vital scenario for Staff Principal Andrea Stella to deal with. And he shortly acknowledged he would look to study from his mistake and transfer on.

There may be few higher locations for Norris to attempt to bounce again, because the Crimson Bull Ring was the scene of his first podium in Method 1 again in 2020, a efficiency he repeated in 2021. He was attempting to overhaul Verstappen for victory right here a yr in the past when the pair collided, so it has typically been a robust venue for Norris, who must outscore Piastri or danger falling greater than a race win behind the championship chief.

The ultimate nervous weekend for Verstappen followers

It actually does really feel like it’s Max Verstappen’s fanbase who’re extra anxious a few race suspension than the reigning World Champion himself, who was very fast to indicate his displeasure at repeated questions referring to his penalty factors scenario in Montreal.

Verstappen is only one penalty level away from what can be an automated one-race ban, which means he can’t afford to be the responsible get together in any incidents this weekend.

After the subsequent race, two penalty factors drop off his licence having been earned 12 months in the past – within the collision with Norris in final yr’s Austrian Grand Prix, that occurred on June 30 – which means Verstappen can have that little bit extra respiratory room, however he’ll stay on 9 factors till late October.

Verstappen confirmed the scenario was having no affect on his driving throughout the Canadian weekend as he certified on the entrance row and completed second regardless of coming beneath stress at totally different factors, however what is commonly a big Dutch contingent on the Crimson Bull Ring will seemingly breathe out a bit of as soon as this weekend is safely navigated, too.

The F1 film hits the screens

You might need observed just a bit bit of pleasure and hype across the upcoming film ‘F1’, that was typically filmed throughout race weekends and options actual footage of actors Brad Pitt and Damson Idris driving at velocity on observe.

Following the spectacular world premiere that was held in New York City at the beginning of final week, it is extremely practically your flip to get to see the top product, with the movie having a launch date of June twenty fifth – though various different international locations together with america have to attend that little bit longer till Friday, June twenty seventh.

That includes cameos from loads of your favorite drivers and crew bosses too, it’s a spectacular providing from Prime Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski and legendary producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and with loads of input from Lewis Hamilton as properly it goals to be essentially the most genuine racing film ever made.

James Vowles’ new deal

There might need been numerous deal with the F1 film premiere final week, however there was additionally a really vital piece of enterprise that was concluded by one of many groups.

Williams introduced that Staff Principal James Vowles has signed a new long-term contract to remain in his position, having held the position for 2 and a half years thus far.

Over that point, Williams have already proven indicators of clear progress, and presently sit fifth within the Constructors’ Championship with 55 factors – greater than your complete complete from the previous three seasons mixed. They’ve additionally made various key hires, together with including Carlos Sainz to this yr’s driver line-up alongside Alex Albon, who has loved an especially spectacular 2025 thus far.

Vowles says Williams have put the foundations in place for future success, and so they actually seem well-placed to proceed their momentum into the brand new period that begins in 2026. However there may be nonetheless numerous work to be executed to show the crew into true contenders for race victories and championships regularly, with only one podium previously eight years.

Securing a long-term dedication from Vowles is an indication of the assumption within the route that Williams are heading from each the Staff Principal himself but additionally their homeowners Dorilton Capital. It’ll be a lift for your complete crew, as they appear to proceed their greatest begin to a season since 2016.