The Austrian Grand Prix takes place from 26 to 28 June 2026 at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, nestled in the Styrian Alps. One of the shortest and most action-packed circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, the Red Bull Ring consistently delivers dramatic racing with its combination of heavy braking zones, elevation changes, and a compact layout that encourages close wheel-to-wheel battles.
What to Expect
The 2026 Austrian Grand Prix arrives as the tenth round of a season defined by sweeping regulation changes. New power unit rules, active aerodynamics, and revised chassis specifications have reshuffled the competitive order. Mercedes have emerged as early pacesetter, with Kimi Antonelli leading the drivers’ championship and George Russell in close pursuit. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton remain firmly in contention, while defending champion Lando Norris looks to build momentum with McLaren.
For Max Verstappen, this is a home race in all but nationality. The Red Bull Ring, owned by Red Bull’s parent company, has been a fortress for the Dutchman in recent years, with victories in 2021, 2022, and 2023. However, the new regulations have proved challenging for Red Bull Racing, and Verstappen sits ninth in the early standings. A strong result on familiar ground could reignite his title challenge.
The circuit itself measures 4.326 km and features 10 corners across 71 laps, covering a total race distance of 306.58 km. With 65 metres of elevation change, including a maximum incline of 12%, it places unique demands on both car and driver. The lap record stands at 1:04.314, set by Verstappen during qualifying at the 2024 Austrian Grand Prix.
How to Watch
The race is scheduled for 14:00 local time (CEST/UTC+2) on Sunday 28 June. In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 broadcasts all sessions live. In the United States, Apple TV holds exclusive rights as part of its deal running through 2032, with F1 TV included for subscribers. Austrian viewers can watch on ServusTV and ORF. F1 TV Pro offers live coverage across most other global markets.
Venue and Tickets
The Red Bull Ring is located in Spielberg, a small town in the Austrian state of Styria, approximately 200 km south-west of Vienna. The circuit has a rich history dating back to 1970, when it first hosted Formula 1 as the Osterreichring. After a complete rebuild in the mid-1990s and a further renovation led by Dietrich Mateschitz in 2011, the modern Red Bull Ring reopened and returned to the F1 calendar in 2014.
The venue attracts approximately 300,000 fans across the race weekend. General admission tickets provide access to designated viewing areas between Turns 3 and 4, while grandstand and VIP hospitality options offer sheltered seating with premium views. Tickets regularly sell out well in advance, so early booking through the official Red Bull Ring website or the F1 ticketing platform is strongly recommended.