From the bustling metropolis of Barcelona to the hills of Austria: Formula One arrives in Spielberg this weekend for the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix with McLaren hot on the heels of Red Bull.
The news coming out after the Spanish Grand Prix was that McLaren is starting to push Red Bull harder and harder at the front of the field. The MCL38 led the field away after Lando Norris managed to put his car in pole position.
Max Verstappen would ultimately win the race, but McLaren's advantages are a huge encouragement for the neutral fans and of course for the Papaya's fanbase.
The French outfit has had their worst start to a Formula One season since they became Alpine from Renault in 2021. However, last weekend in Spain was a huge step forward for the team. Both cars made headlines by making it into Q3 on Saturday's qualifying session.
Gasly has committed 'Long term' to the team. Time will tell if it was the right decision, but Alpine will be quickly looking to the rule changes in 2026 and beyond to get a head start to save their struggling outfit.
Max Verstappen on his way to victory in Austria, 2023. Image Credit: Philip Platzer / Red Bull Ring
With this weekend being one of the Sprint weekends, by Friday we will have seen where everyone is in terms of pace. What will be intriguing is if the McLaren boys go hell for leather in the sprint, or if their concentration will be on the main race on Sunday. 2022 saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc take victory, so this track is not a given victory for the Red Bull man.
Red Bull are still very much the team to beat. Even with McLaren showing promise of beating out the Bulls, Verstappen and Perez are not going to roll over and let the Papaya squad have it all their way. This weekend is crucial for both teams and the momentum is very much in the balance.
Lance Stroll. Image Credit: Formula One
Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack stated: "We are delighted to confirm Lance's future with Aston Martin. He has played a key role in building this team. His technical feedback, alongside his committed simulator work, has helped contribute to the continuous development of the car each season."
"The consistency and stability of both Lance and Fernando remaining with our team is a great platform to continue to realise our ambitions. We look forward to creating some more incredible memories and achieving further success together."
Stroll's retention will bring Aston Martin into a fourth year with Stroll and teammate Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard also extended his contract with Aston Martin earlier in the year.
Who are you supporting this weekend in Austria? Let us know in the poll above or down in the comments below!
The news coming out after the Spanish Grand Prix was that McLaren is starting to push Red Bull harder and harder at the front of the field. The MCL38 led the field away after Lando Norris managed to put his car in pole position.
Max Verstappen would ultimately win the race, but McLaren's advantages are a huge encouragement for the neutral fans and of course for the Papaya's fanbase.
Alpine Announce Gasly's Contract Extension
Alpine has announced that Frenchman, and current driver, Pierre Gasly has signed a multi-year extension. His French compatriot Esteban Ocon will not return to the team, and his replacement for 2025 and beyond is yet to be announced. Speculation ranges form Oliver Bearman, to Sebastian Vettel!The French outfit has had their worst start to a Formula One season since they became Alpine from Renault in 2021. However, last weekend in Spain was a huge step forward for the team. Both cars made headlines by making it into Q3 on Saturday's qualifying session.
Gasly has committed 'Long term' to the team. Time will tell if it was the right decision, but Alpine will be quickly looking to the rule changes in 2026 and beyond to get a head start to save their struggling outfit.
McLaren To End Red Bull Dominance?
The battle between McLaren and Red Bull continues to rage into Austria this weekend. With Red Bull's home support and Verstappen's 'Orange Army' expected to be out in full force, the McLaren duo have certainly got work to do.Max Verstappen on his way to victory in Austria, 2023. Image Credit: Philip Platzer / Red Bull Ring
With this weekend being one of the Sprint weekends, by Friday we will have seen where everyone is in terms of pace. What will be intriguing is if the McLaren boys go hell for leather in the sprint, or if their concentration will be on the main race on Sunday. 2022 saw Ferrari's Charles Leclerc take victory, so this track is not a given victory for the Red Bull man.
Red Bull are still very much the team to beat. Even with McLaren showing promise of beating out the Bulls, Verstappen and Perez are not going to roll over and let the Papaya squad have it all their way. This weekend is crucial for both teams and the momentum is very much in the balance.
Lance Stroll Extends Aston Martin Contract
A somewhat unsurprising second contract announcement is Aston Martin re-signing Lance Stroll for "2025 and beyond". Stroll's father, Lawerence Stroll, bought out the consortium that remained of Racing Point and Force India at the end of 2019. The team has done great things, including multiple podiums, but unfortunately, Stroll has not been a major factor in that progression - at least not on the track.Lance Stroll. Image Credit: Formula One
Aston Martin Team Principal Mike Krack stated: "We are delighted to confirm Lance's future with Aston Martin. He has played a key role in building this team. His technical feedback, alongside his committed simulator work, has helped contribute to the continuous development of the car each season."
"The consistency and stability of both Lance and Fernando remaining with our team is a great platform to continue to realise our ambitions. We look forward to creating some more incredible memories and achieving further success together."
Stroll's retention will bring Aston Martin into a fourth year with Stroll and teammate Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard also extended his contract with Aston Martin earlier in the year.
2024 Austrian Grand Prix Schedule
Friday, June 28
- 10:30-11:30: Free Practice 1
- 14:30-15:14: Sprint Qualifying
Saturday, June 29
- 10:00-11:00: Sprint Race
- 14:00-17:00: Qualifying
Sunday, June 30
- 13:00: Race
Who are you supporting this weekend in Austria? Let us know in the poll above or down in the comments below!
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