In Pictures: Austria 2025
After a brief interlude in Canada, Formula 1 returned to Europe for a packed run of four races in six weeks leading into the summer break. First up was the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring, the picturesque circuit nestled in the Styrian hills and owned by the iconic energy drink brand.
For the first time in three years, the event was run under the traditional weekend format. The action began with three free practice sessions, two on Friday and one on Saturday, followed by qualifying later that day and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
The Red Bull Ring features the fewest corners of any track on the current calendar, just ten, and the shortest lap time: 1:02.939, set by Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes back in 2020. In terms of elevation change, only Spa-Francorchamps surpasses it, with a 208-foot (63.5-meter) difference between the highest and lowest points. Each of the three sectors brings something different: the first climbs steeply with two long straights, the second kicks off with heavy braking into Turn 3 and runs downhill to Turn 7, and the final sector rises again before plunging into a long straight and two sweeping, high-speed corners. With three DRS zones, the Austrian Grand Prix consistently delivers some of the most action-packed racing on the calendar.
Thanks to a busy event schedule that includes both four, and two-wheeled racing, the track is usually well rubbered-in by the time Formula 1 arrives. While early summer often brings heat, the unpredictable mountain weather kept teams on their toes, with shifting winds and sudden storms always a possibility in the Styrian forest.
FRIDAY
McLaren got off to a strong start on the opening day of practice at the Austrian Grand Prix, with Lando Norris (1:04.580) and Oscar Piastri (1:04.737) setting the pace in the second session, the most representative one on a typical Friday. Only one other driver dipped below the 1:05 mark: Max Verstappen, who posted a best time of 1:04.898.
Friday also marked a milestone moment for Irish motorsport, as Alex Dunne made his Formula 1 event debut by taking over Norris’ McLaren in the first practice session. It was the first time an Irish driver had participated in an F1 session since Ralf Firman competed at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix during his sole season with Jordan Grand Prix. Swedish driver Dino Beganovic also took part in FP1, stepping into Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari for his second appearance of the season.
SATURDAY
Lando Norris claimed pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix, the 12th of his Formula 1 career. The McLaren driver had already topped the time sheets in both Friday’s second practice and Saturday’s final session, and in qualifying, he was the only driver to dip below the 1:04 mark, setting a blistering lap of 1:03.971. The gap to second place was the largest seen all season, both in raw time (0.521 seconds) and as a percentage (0.814%).
It marked McLaren’s 171st pole position in Formula 1 and its fifth at the Austrian Grand Prix. The team’s last pole at this venue came in 2000, courtesy of Mika Häkkinen.
Remarkably, the top two rows mirrored the grid from this year’s Monaco Grand Prix. Charles Leclerc qualified second for Ferrari with a 1:04.492, followed by Oscar Piastri (1:04.554) and Lewis Hamilton (1:04.582) in third and fourth, respectively.
SUNDAY
The race distance was shortened by one lap after an aborted start, caused when Carlos Sainz’s Williams came to a halt on the grid during the formation lap. Once the second start got underway, chaos unfolded at Turn 3. Kimi Antonelli misjudged his braking and went into the corner too fast, narrowly avoiding several cars before colliding with Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. Both drivers were forced to retire on the spot.
For the first time in 25 years, McLaren secured a one-two finish at the Austrian Grand Prix. The team last achieved that feat in 2000, when Mika Häkkinen led David Coulthard across the line. This time, it was Lando Norris who stood on the top step of the podium in Spielberg, claiming his seventh career win and third of the season. Right behind him was teammate Oscar Piastri, sealing a dominant result for the Woking-based team. Charles Leclerc completed the podium for Ferrari.
It marked McLaren’s 197th Formula 1 victory, their eighth of the season and seventh at this particular venue. Spielberg continues to be a standout circuit for Norris: one win, one pole, three podiums, and a total of 108 points earned across nine starts.
Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto was voted Driver of the Day by the F1.com fans after his outstanding drive to P8.
As the European leg of the season hits full stride, the Austrian Grand Prix delivered a weekend full of drama, dominance, and defining moments. From McLaren’s historic one-two finish to surprise standouts and early-race chaos, Spielberg once again proved why it remains one of Formula 1’s most thrilling venues. With three more races before the summer break, the championship momentum is building, and so are the stories that will shape the season.
NEXT STOP: The cradle of F1, SILVERSTONE 🇬🇧
Excerpts and media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A. and official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are credited to their respective copyright holders and used for editorial purposes only.
Look good. Move better. shop now.
Accelerate your style, leave others behind!
show your support, grab your gear!