The 2024 Austrian Grand Prix marks the second race of the initial trio for this season. It will be held in a tabloid format, consisting of several separate paragraphs. Additionally, it will be a Sprint weekend, the third of the six planned for this season.
Due to the unique format, the free practice session for this weekend holds greater importance. It will be followed by the qualifying session for the Sprint race, which will take place on a track known for punishing even the smallest mistakes, despite its short lap length.
Taking place just a few days after the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, there are several intriguing storylines to keep an eye on. One of them is the ongoing battle between Verstappen and Norris, as McLaren remains the closest challenger to Red Bull. Additionally, it will be interesting to see how Mercedes performs after their strongest weekend of the year in Barcelona.
Ferrari, on the other hand, did not meet expectations with their upgrades at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, with an extra weekend to fine-tune their new parts and analyze the data from the previous race, they may be able to mount a stronger challenge for the top positions in Austria.
In the previous edition of the Austrian Grand Prix in 2023, track limits were a major issue, especially at Turns 9 and 10. However, this time, gravel traps have been implemented at the exits of these turns to prevent drivers from exceeding track limits. It will be fascinating to observe the behavior of the drivers in response to these changes.
The Race Director Niels Wittich provided information about the modifications, stating: “We have added a 2.5-meter wide gravel track directly behind the curb at the exit of Turns 9 and 10 on the left side. Additionally, in Turns 1, 3, 4, and 6, we have adjusted the white line to ensure that the distance to the gravel is less than 2 meters.”
For the Austrian Grand Prix, Pirelli has opted for the three softest compounds in its range: C3 (Hard), C4 (Medium), and C5 (Soft). These tire choices should add an additional layer of excitement to the race.
In terms of updates, there are not many notable changes for this weekend. Mercedes and Sauber have introduced a new front wing, while Ferrari has made revisions to its cooling openings. VCARB, on the other hand, has revised its rear wing ducts specifically for this race.
The session started with cloudy conditions, with the track temperature at 31 degrees Celsius and the air temperature at 23 degrees. Drivers and teams will be hoping for dry conditions to adjust their cars within the limited 60-minute time frame.
Norris soon encountered problems with his steering, comparing it to his experience in Miami, where it was harder to turn right and easier to turn left. Tsunoda also expressed his dissatisfaction with the steering column, describing it as “strange”.
Hamilton had a scare with Stroll, narrowly avoiding a collision, as the British driver was on a fast lap while the Canadian driver was driving leisurely at Turn 3. The Mercedes came close to hitting the Aston Martin.
Teams were using a combination of Medium and Hard compounds, focusing on the strategy for the Sprint race. The new rules for 2024 allow them to make adjustments to their cars after the short race on Saturday, before the qualifying for the grand prix on Sunday.
Only the Williams drivers, Albon and Sargeant, ventured out on Soft tires before the halfway point of the session, but their lap times were not particularly impressive. Sargeant managed to set the 13th fastest time, while Albon was 14th.
Alonso reported strong tailwinds at Turns 1 and 6 after 15 minutes of the session. Hulkenberg had a moment with Leclerc 40 minutes later, unaware that the Ferrari driver was on a fast lap. He expressed frustration with the traffic on the track.
At that moment, the order was as follows:
FP1 CLASSIFICATION (after 20 minutes)
George and Lewis leading early #F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/S6ptVvllEx
– Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2024
Tsunoda asked about the possibility of changing the steering column while in the team garage, but was informed that it was not possible until the end of the session. Russell had a moment at Turn 3, locking up the brakes and going off track, but managed to continue without any contact.
A red flag was then waved when Max Verstappen had an “engine failure” and stopped by the side of the track.
With only 28 minutes remaining, Verstappen caused the first interruption of the weekend, slowing down at the start/finish line due to a technical issue with his car after adjusting the differential settings.
Upon reviewing the onboard footage, it became evident that the power unit in RB20 #1 was producing abnormal sounds, adding to the problems of the reigning Champion, who is already on the limit in terms of allowed power units per season. Adding another power unit would result in a penalty.
Verstappen rolled back downhill and was promptly assisted by the marshals, who pushed his car back to the team box.
The session resumed with less than 25 minutes remaining, and Verstappen quickly returned to the track, indicating that the problem was just a minor defect.
GREEN LIGHT
Cars back on track… including Max Verstappen
Whatever the cause of the “engine failure,” it has been fixed! #F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/g8wPZbQGHo
– Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2024
With less than 20 minutes remaining, Tsunoda narrowly avoided a collision with Albon, as the latter was trying to take the racing line while the former was on a fast lap. Albon only noticed the presence of the Japanese driver in the final moments and managed to avoid contact.
“That was extremely scary”
Tsunoda experiences a moment of fear due to Albon moving slowly #F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/crDexP8926
– Formula 1 (@F1) June 28, 2024
Gasly, who was on Hard tires, locked up the front right tires entering Turn 3 and went off track, while Magnussen encountered a similar situation moments later, but at Turn 1.
Magnussen once again lost control at Turn 9, causing him to go wide at Turn 10, but he managed to avoid the gravel traps.
However, Piastri became the first driver to venture into the newly installed gravel traps, going wide at the curbs of Turn 9, but managed to continue without major consequences.
During the final eight minutes of the session, teams, except for Williams, started their qualifying runs using Soft tires for the first time.
As expected, lap times began to decrease, and the session ended with Verstappen in the lead, while Norris struggled on his laps with Soft tires.
The drivers performed their customary practice starts at the end of the session.
© 2024
A new era is coming to the world of sports! With the advancement of technology and the growing demand from fans for real-time information, the sports industry is reinventing itself. Games are now being broadcast live to millions of viewers around the world, and social media has become an essential platform for athletes to connect with their fans.
However, not everything is rosy in this new digital era. With the ease of access to information, challenges also arise. Athletes are now under constant public scrutiny, and any slip-up can be amplified and go viral within minutes.
That’s why Total-Motorsport.com is here to keep you informed about the latest news from the world of sports. We are a team of specialized journalists dedicated to bringing you the most exciting and relevant stories from the world of sports. From major sporting events to inspiring athlete stories, we are here to bring you everything you need to know.
Our mission is to provide impartial and accurate coverage of sporting events, giving athletes a voice and sharing their stories of success and overcoming challenges. We believe that sports are much more than just a competition. It is a way to bring people together, surpass boundaries, and inspire change.
So, if you are a passionate sports fan, be sure to follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news directly in your inbox. Join us on this exciting journey through the world of sports!
