Formula 1 has decided to insist on the Grand Prix format with a sprint race, which at a more immediate level means completely altering the schedule of the Austrian GP. As for Friday’s session, after the only free practice session of the day comes the classificationwith its Q1, Q2 and Q3, but with the aim of shaping the grid for the ‘sprint race’, which in turn makes up the grid for the final Formula 1 race on Sunday. Stuff from Liberty Media.
Eager fans who can’t enjoy free practice and want real action are in luck, since without anesthesia pilots and teams measure forces in the classification of the Austrian GP, in the Red Bull Ring. Pole ‘no pole’ is at stake in a scenario in which the tests have been minimal after the two red flags in FP1. In fact, there are drivers like Fernando Alonso who will start blind when setting a lap with a soft tire by not testing this compound in the free.
Traffic: key factor
On a circuit as short and fast as the Red Bull Ring, traffic will be an issue to take into account, especially in Q1. Already during the practice session it was possible to see how the leader Max Verstappen had serious problems dealing with the traffic in the last sector, especially because the last two curves are a very compromised space to make room when facing the next lap with space. In fact, it is very likely that there could be penalties for hindering rivals at this point.
To the traffic factor we must also add the management of the space on the track itself, as well as the role that the aggressive curbs of this circuit may have. It is true that during FP1 there was no problem of vibrations or damage to the cars related to curbs, but in previous years this point has been critical. When it comes to taking real risks, pianos can take center stage to ruin the aspirations of more than one pilot.
Second pole for Sainz?
With these incentives and conditions, We invite you to live with Motor.es everything that happens in the classification of the Austrian GP. Don’t miss a thing about what’s happening at the Red Bull Ring with our live commentary. At stake is a good starting position for Saturday’s ‘sprint race’which is not everything, but it helps to face the weekend with the best possible feeling.