The Red Bull Ring is situated in the heart of the Styrian mountains, a very picturesque location amidst forests and mountains. The race track was founded by the Austrian Circuit and hosted the Austrian Grand Prix for 18 consecutive years. The track was destroyed and again rebuilt several times. Moreover, in 2020 it hosted the second F1 race known as the Styrian Grand Prix. Many trivia beholds underneath this track. Here’s everything you need to know about the Red Bull Ring History, facts, and stats.
History Of The Red Bull Ring: Austrian Grand Prix
Formula 1 racing had a shaky and sporadic start in Austria. The first Austrian Grand Prix was flagged off in 1964 at the Zeltweg Airbase. During the race, many cars had to retire. On investigating it was found that the track was extremely bumpy which led to suspension failures and hence the track was declared unsuitable for Formula 1 racing. The lap record of 1:09.84 is held by Graham Hill in a BRM.
The Osterreichring Circuit (Austrian Circuit) was constructed across the street as a replacement circuit five years later, in 1969. In 1970, the first Formula One race was held. The layout of the track was intended to be very rapid, with swift sweeping curves. There were 65 meters of elevation difference, just around 10 meters of width, and a lethal 180-degree banked downhill right-hand corner (Bosch Kurve) with very little run-off. The tricky corners "Dr. Tiroch" and "Glatz Kurve," as well as the straight-ahead right-hander "Voest-Hugel" that led to the "Sebring-Auspuff Kurve," were noteworthy.
This track holds one of the finest records ever. 18 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix were held between 1970 and 1987. During that era, Alain Prost was the most successful driver with 3 wins, and Lotus-Ford was the most successful constructor with 4 wins. Interestingly Ford powered cars have been most successful with 9 wins. Moreover, 7 Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix was held between 1997 and 2003. Famous drivers like Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen have both won twice and constructors Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes won three races each.
Dietrich Mateschitz, the owner of Red Bull Energy Drink purchased the circuit in 2008 and invested a hefty €70 million renovation project to stage Formula 1 races and boost the local Spielberg economy. However, it wasn't until 2014 that Bernie Ecclestone helped bring back the Austrian Grand Prix. Red Bull as a brand improved the facility's infrastructure by constructing two hotels, a country club, an off-road area, and a go-kart track. Red Bull Ring is a fitting new name for the circuit. Thus with the help of the Ranging Bulls, the track got its iconic name the Red Bull Ring.
Stats Of The Red Bull Ring: Austrian Grand Prix
Despite the new layout, the track is short and is improvised to run F1 cars at full impressive speed. With an aerial view, the track throws a curveball with one of the fewest corners on the circuit. Red Bull Ring is one of the few tracks that has the least number of corners which is 10. With such short distances still three active DRS Zones are present to create chances to overtake during the race.
Let's have a look at the statistics of the only track named after a brand on the planet, which is an impressive track.
Circuit Certification | Grade 1 |
Circuit Classification | FIA Licensed F1 Racing Circuit |
Pole Position | Left-Hand Side Of The Track |
Circuit Direction | Clockwise |
Circuit Length | 4.318 KM |
Race Distance | 306.58 KM |
No. Of Laps | 71 |
Track Width | 12 m- 13 m |
Track Elevation | 677 m above sea level |
Elevation Deviation | 65 m |
Longest Flat-out Section | 868 m |
No. Of Corners | 6 |
Gear Changes Per Lap | 32(estimated) |
Fuel use Per Lap | 1.48 Kg (estimated) |
Fastest Lap Record | 1:05:619 seconds (Carlos Sainz, 2020 |
Records Made At The Red Bull Ring: Austrian Grand Prix
With some iconic tracks come the iconic records that are underneath the journey The Red Bull Ring is one of the fewest tracks on the F1 calendar which holds some marvellous records in F1. Some honorable mentions are:
Most Wins By F1 Team As Constructor- Oracle Red Bull Racing F1 Team (6 wins).
Most Pole Position By Any Driver- Valtteri Bottas, 3 Pole Positions (2017,2018,2020).
Most Pole Position Won By F1 Constructor- Mercedes (7 wins).
Most Wins By Any F1 Driver- Max Verstappen: 4 Wins (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022)
Red Bull Ring Contract Extended To Host F1 Races Until 2030
Fans' favorite Red Bull Ring has made a strong commitment that the race organizers will host F1 races at the Red Bull Ring until 2030. The owners of Red Bull Gmbh, who owns the Red Bull F1 team released a statement in 2023 that the contract for hosting F1 races has been extended for 4 years from 2024 to 2027. But later on, the terms and conditions were extended beyond 2027 until 2030.
Let's see how long the domination of the Red Bull F1 Team will go on on their home turf. Let us know in the comment below what your special race memory is from the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring.
Must Read | Hungarian Grand Prix – History, Facts, and stats
