Short lap. Big drama in the Styrian Alps
The Red Bull Ring might be one of the shortest tracks on the F1 calendar, but it delivers in a big way. From steep climbs to blind apexes and heavy braking zones, this place keeps drivers on their toes and fans on the edge of their seats.
Why the Austrian Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket listTucked away in the Styrian Alps, the Red Bull Ring is one of the most unique stops on the Formula 1 calendar. It may be short, just 4.318 km, but don’t let that fool you. This place can bite.
With only 10 corners, it has the fewest turns of any track on the calendar. But what it lacks in length, it makes up for in challenge. The layout includes steep elevation changes, blind crests, and tricky off-camber sections. Drivers love it, but they also respect it. Nico Hülkenberg calls it “a short track that packs in a lot of fun.” Pierre Gasly describes it as “a deceptively tough lap.” It’s one of those circuits where every millimetre matters. On top of that, it’s often a Sprint weekend. That means teams get just one practice session before going straight into qualifying. There’s no time to waste. Setups need to be right from the start, and there’s little room to recover if they’re not. 
With only 10 corners, the RedBull Ring has the fewest turns of any track on the F1 calendar
Spielberg might be a quiet countryside village for most of the year, but race week transforms it completely. The track has seen plenty of big moments in recent years. Since returning to the calendar in 2014, the Austrian Grand Prix has produced drama, surprises, and standout drives. Mercedes dominated the early years of the hybrid era here. Red Bull has since turned it into a stronghold. But it hasn’t always gone their way. In 2022, Charles Leclerc broke their home winning streak. He passed Max Verstappen multiple times and delivered a clinical drive for Ferrari. It was a highlight in a season full of ups and downs. McLaren’s Lando Norris also has fond memories of Spielberg. This is where he scored his first F1 podium. It proved that with the right setup and a bit of luck, even midfield cars can challenge the frontrunners. 
Charles Leclerc wins at the RedBull Ring in 2022
The Austrian Grand Prix is Red Bull’s home event, and you can feel that energy throughout the weekend. Every year, the stands fill with the Orange Army. Their presence turns the atmosphere into something special. 
The Orange Army
When the race begins, the noise rolls across the valley like thunder. The whole venue comes alive. It’s not just about the racing either. There’s a bit of theatre to the weekend. Expect skydivers, stunt planes, live music, and a few festival touches that reflect Red Bull’s homegrown style. It all adds to the sense that this is more than a standard Grand Prix. 
There’s a bit of theatre to the weekend at the Austrian Grand Prix
Where's the circuit?The Red Bull Ring is in Spielberg, a small town surrounded by the Styrian mountains. It’s peaceful, green, and full of alpine charm. For many teams and fans, the fresh air and scenery are a welcome change from the usual big-city circuits.
Traveling to Austria & the RedBull Ring: What you need to knowMost fans heading to Spielberg start their journey in Vienna or Graz. Both cities are well connected, with Vienna handling most international arrivals. Graz is closer, just an hour from the circuit, and Salzburg is another option if you're coming from within Europe.
The drive from Vienna takes a little over two hours. Salzburg is about two hours and 45 minutes away. The route through the Austrian countryside sets the mood before you even reach the track. While many race goers can visit Austria without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. How many days should you spend at the Austrian Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Austrian Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of Formula 2, Formula 3, and Porsche Supercup, plus skydivers, flyovers, and stunt planes making it a weekend packed with non-stop action.
Austrian Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with qualifying sessions for the support series, including Formula 2, Formula 3, and the Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the Formula 3 Sprint Race, followed by the Porsche Supercup qualifying, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Monaco Grand Prix. 
Drivers pass through the crowd on their way to the paddock
Best places to stay for the Austrian Grand PrixA lot of fans camp near the circuit, and for good reason. Waking up to mountain views and the sound of F1 engines in the distance is something you don’t forget. Some campsites even offer pre-pitched tents, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.
If you’re looking for more comfort, Vienna has the widest range of hotel options. You’ll find everything from budget rooms to luxury hotels. The city itself is stunning, full of history, art, and architecture. But it’s over two hours from the track, so be ready for early mornings and late nights if you stay there. Check out accommodation options in Vienna here Graz is much closer, about an hour from the Red Bull Ring. It’s a popular base for many fans. Hotel options are more limited than in Vienna, but still cover most budgets. The city also runs an F1-themed fan event during race week, which helps keep the buzz going even when you're away from the circuit. Check out accommodation options in Graz here Another good option is to rent a chalet or holiday home. Austria has plenty, especially in the ski areas. Since the Grand Prix is held in summer, prices are often lower and availability is better than in winter. Check out accommodation options in Styria here Whether you prefer a tent, a hotel room, or a quiet mountain cabin, it’s a good idea to book early. Places fill up quickly once the race weekend gets close. Best grandstands for key moments at the Austrian Grand PrixThe track’s open layout means you can see most of the lap from almost anywhere. Overtaking at the Red Bull Ring is usually in good supply. Long straights and heavy braking zones make for some classic wheel-to-wheel racing, especially between Turns 1, 3, and 4.
The Main Grandstand puts you on the start/finish straight. You’ll see the grid build-up, pit stops, the chequered flag, and all the action in the team garages. It’s a front-row seat to the tension before lights out and the celebrations after the race. Turn 1, also known as Lauda Curve in memory of Niki Lauda, is a popular viewing spot. The grandstand here gives you a view of the opening corner, the main straight, the pit exit, and even a glimpse of the uphill run to Turn 2. It's a great place to catch the chaos of the race start and early overtakes. 
Villeneuve Chicane
The Red Bull Grandstands sit just after Turn 1 and stretch alongside the straight heading up to Turn 3. From here, you get a wide view of the circuit and can follow the cars for nearly a full lap. Not much escapes your line of sight from this spot. Turn 3 is one of the best overtaking zones on the track. The grandstand at the top of the hill puts you right at the heart of the action as drivers go deep on the brakes into the tight right-hander. If you’re after big moves and late lunges, this is the place. 
At the other end of the lap, the Turn 10 Grandstand covers the final corners. Drivers carry speed through a quick right-left before crossing the line. It’s a good spot to watch final-lap battles or last-minute passes. 
If you want to mix things up, multi-corner tickets are usually available. These give you a different vantage point each day and let you see the track from more than one angle.
Where next?If you’re planning to extend your trip, Austria has plenty to offer beyond race weekend.
Styria, the region around the Red Bull Ring, is a peaceful spot to slow down. Think forest trails, mountain views, and quiet towns. It’s a great place to reset after the noise and pace of the Grand Prix. Vienna is just over two hours from the circuit and has a completely different vide. It’s a grand city, filled with history, art, and some of the best coffee houses in Europe. Graz is even closer. It has a relaxed feel, a charming old town, and great food. Both cities make an easy and worthwhile addition to your trip. 
Graz
Flying through Salzburg? Make time for Hangar-7. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum for Formula 1 and aviation fans, especially if Red Bull is your team. The collection includes Red Bull Racing F1 cars like the RB8 and RB9—both championship winners with Sebastian Vettel—and the Scuderia Toro Rosso STR5, once driven by Sébastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari. There’s also the Sauber Petronas C20 and several iconic aircraft, including the North American B-25J “Mitchell” and planes from The Flying Bulls’ fleet. The building itself is a work of art, with sleek, modern architecture. And entry is free. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
