Formula 1 News: Who are the favorites to win the Austrian GP?
The Red Bull Ring in Spielberg home to the Austrian GP, isn’t just another F1 circuit it’s a crown jewel. Nestled in Styria’s mountains, this 4.318km track blends brutal straights with a “toboggan ride” of downhill corners like the iconic Rindt curve.
As Red Bull’s home Grand Prix (June 29, 2 p.m. ET, ESPN), tensions soar. McLaren dominates 2025, but Mercedes’ resurgence and Max Verstappen’s legacy here promise fireworks. Let’s break down the favourites.
Oscar Piastri: the calm leader
Stats don’t lie, he’s the man to beat. With five wins and a 22-point championship lead (198 pts), Piastri’s 2025 run is monstrous: his worst finish? P9 in Bahrain. Though Canada ended in a teammate collision, his raw pace stayed intact. Jeddah saw him miss the pole by a tenth, proving he thrives under pressure.
Physical & mental edge? Ice-cool. While Norris grapples with the car, Piastri’s consistency eight podiums in ten races shows unflappable focus. The Australian driver is called to consolidate the first position in the standings and is therefore given as a favourite by all major bookmakers. However, the odds are very low and to increase the possible winnings for even a small fee, you can take advantage of the referral code promotion to get exclusive bonuses for both the inviter and the new user, a smart way to increase your possible earnings before betting on the top driver of the weekend.
Lando Norris: redemption hunt
Canada was a disaster, but don’t count him out. Norris leads the “could’ve been” narrative: suspension upgrades in Montreal sharpened his front-end feel, making him faster than Piastri until Q3 mistakes and that crash. At P2 in standings (176 pts), Austria (+200 odds) is his rebound stage.
Mind games? He’s self-critical but resilient. Team transparency post-collision eased tensions, and his humility owning the Canada error fuels motivation. With three poles this year, qualifying speed could steal Verstappen’s thunder.
Max Verstappen: the home track hero
Never underestimate Max here. Four Austrian GP wins (2021-2024) and a 70% podium rate at Red Bull Ring scream dominance. Though 2025’s been rocky (two wins, brake-balance woes), Spain’s victory and Canada’s P2 hint at a comeback.
Pressure cooker? Yes. With rumors of a looming penalty point ban , Verstappen’s aggression is double-edged. But Spielberg rewards bold overtaking and his +350 odds offer juicy value if Red Bull nails setup.
George Russell: the dark horse
Quietly lethal. Russell’s Montreal win wasn’t luck it was maturity. Unlike 2024’s “scrappy” Canada performance, he dominated 2025’s race by balancing risk/reward perfectly. Fourth in standings, he’s hungry for more (+800 odds).
Car & confidence aligned: Mercedes’ W16 finally gives him a compliant machine. With three podiums already, Russell could exploit McLaren’s friction or Verstappen’s volatility.
Wildcards: Kimi & Leclerc
- Kimi Antonelli (+3300): The teen sensation’s Canada podium (third-youngest ever!) announced his arrival. Mercedes’ pace suits Austria’s climbs.
- Charles Leclerc (+1600): Consistency is key (avg. P5.33 finishes). Ferrari’s low-downforce SF-25 could surprise on straights.
The Altitude Factor: Spielberg’s Hidden Challenge
Don’t let the postcard views fool you, racing at 700m above sea level changes everything. Thin air means engines gasp for oxygen, cooling efficiency plummets, and brakes cook faster than a schnitzel on race day. This punishes aggressive drivers and rewards smooth operators.
Why it matters for favorites:
- McLaren’s tire whisperers (Piastri/Norris): Their car’s gentle tire degradation could shine when others blister in Sector 2’s long corners.
- Verstappen’s brake demons: Red Bull’s recurring brake balance issues intensify here. One lock-up could ruin a stint.
- Mercedes’ cooling edge: Russell’s W16 handled Montreal’s heat brilliantly a major asset if temperatures spike.
Teams lean heavily on data from America Racing Rims partnerships (optimising airflow for brake survival) and F1’s historical tire wear models. Expect pit walls to sweat over tricky tire gambles!
Conclusion: a battle of nerves and horsepower
Spielberg’s elevation changes and mixed corners demand precision and mental grit. Piastri holds the cards, but Norris’ upgrades, Verstappen’s home advantage, and Russell’s calm make this a four-way knife fight. For fans, it’s paradise; for bettors, a high-reward puzzle. Pro tip: Watch qualifying. Three of McLaren’s four 2025 poles converted to wins. Game on!