HISTORY OF RED BULL RING

The Red Bull Ring, nestled in the scenic Styrian hills near Spielberg, Austria, has a rich and dynamic history that dates back to 1969. Originally known as the Österreichring, the track was built to replace the old Zeltweg Airfield circuit, which had become outdated and unsafe. The Österreichring quickly gained a reputation as one of the fastest and most challenging circuits in the world, thanks to its sweeping corners, dramatic elevation changes, and picturesque setting.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the circuit hosted many memorable Formula 1 races and became a favorite among drivers and fans alike. However, due to increasing safety concerns and the high-speed nature of the layout, the Österreichring was eventually deemed unsuitable for modern F1 standards. The last F1 race on the original layout was held in 1987.

In the mid-1990s, the track underwent a major transformation led by designer Hermann Tilke. It was shortened and modernized to meet contemporary safety regulations, and reopened in 1997 as the A1-Ring, named after the Austrian telecommunications company. Formula 1 returned from 1997 to 2003, before disappearing from the calendar once again.

In 2010, Red Bull GmbH, owned by Dietrich Mateschitz, purchased and revitalized the circuit, giving it a new lease on life. After extensive renovations and upgrades, the track was renamed the Red Bull Ring and reopened in 2011. Formula 1 made its comeback in 2014, and since then, the Red Bull Ring has become a staple of the F1 calendar, often hosting back-to-back races during the COVID-affected seasons.

The circuit is also home to MotoGP, endurance racing and various other motorsport events, making it a central hub for Austrian motorsport. Its blend of history, modern facilities, and natural beauty ensures that the Red Bull Ring remains one of the most iconic and beloved circuits in the world.

The Red Bull Ring has gone through several name and configuration changes since its inception, each reflecting the era and needs of motorsport at the time.

Circuit name changes

Österreichring (1969–1995)

• A permanent, high-speed track with sweeping corners and elevation changes.
• Hosted Formula 1 from 1970 to 1987 (except 1980).
• Iconic corners like Hella-Licht, Bosch-Kurve, and the ultra-fast Jochen Rindt Kurve.

A1-Ring (1997–2003)

• A modernized version of the Österreichring, designed by Hermann Tilke.
• Shorter and safer, but criticized for losing the character of the original.
• Hosted F1 again from 1997 to 2003.

Red Bull Ring (2011–present)

• Revived and renovated by Red Bull after being closed for several years.
• Hosted F1 again from 2014, became a double-race venue during COVID-19 years.

Austrian Grand Prix history

Since its inception, the Austrian Grand Prix has delivered countless memorable moments and victories. In recent years, the Red Bull Ring has been the stage for dominant performances, particularly by drivers from Red Bull and Mercedes:

• 2024: George Russell (Mercedes) claimed a surprise victory after a dramatic collision between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
• 2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT) delivered a commanding performance, leading from pole position to the chequered flag.
• 2022: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) secured a well-earned win, showcasing strong pace throughout the race.
• 2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda) achieved a career milestone by completing his first Grand Chelem—pole position, fastest lap, and leading every lap.
• 2020: Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) triumphed in a chaotic race marked by multiple retirements and safety car interventions.

Throughout the decades, several drivers have left their mark in Austria with multiple victories:

• Max Verstappen – 4 wins (2018, 2019, 2021, 2023)
• Alain Prost – 3 wins (1983, 1985, 1986)
• Ronnie Peterson – 2 wins (1973, 1978)
• Alan Jones – 2 wins (1977, 1979)
• Mika Häkkinen – 2 wins (1998, 2000)
• Michael Schumacher – 2 wins (2002, 2003)
• Nico Rosberg – 2 wins (2014, 2015)
• Valtteri Bottas – 2 wins (2017, 2020)

In terms of constructor success, Ferrari, Mercedes, and McLaren are tied, each with 6 victories at the Austrian Grand Prix.

List of Austrian Grand Prix winners (only F1 championship races counted)

Styrian Grand Prix history

The Styrian Grand Prix was a one-off Formula 1 event introduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting the original race calendar. It was held at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Austria — the same venue as the Austrian Grand Prix — and was named after the Styria region where the circuit is located.

It was held twice, in 2020 and 2021, to allow F1 to maintain a full season despite global travel restrictions.

List of Styrian Grand Prix winners