The first Grand Prix was held in 1970. It's a beautiful sunny day but rain is expected later this afternoon and this weekend.
The Styrian GP is hosted in the famous Red Bull Ring Circuit. The most beautiful circuit of all, surrounded by beautiful hills and greenery everywhere. The circuit runs over 4.318KM with 71 laps to complete. The last lap record was set by Carlos Sainz with 1.05.619 in 2020. Last year podium was taken up by P1 Bottas, P2 Leclerc and P3 Lando Norris who took his maiden podium in Austria.
FP1
Green lights for FP1 AS Sainz exits the pit lane followed by Kubica, who replaced Kimi for FP1, who was then followed by Bottas. Carlos had a small lock-up at the start as he complains over his radio. As Kubica comes around turn 3 he spins around in turn 3 but turns around quickly. Following Kubica. Mick has a little spin-off in the same turn as well.
As all cars are out on the track, all run on hards and mediums respectively.
Many were a victim of turn 10 as there were new track limitations.
Instead of the white lines, track time will be deleted only if all four tires go over the red curbs. Carlos Sainz was the first victim of the turn 10.
As Sainz came around turn 1, he loved up and spun into the pitlane exit, which in turn left Botas waiting. But Sainz recorded quickly.
After the first pitstops, all cars quickly changed to all sorts. Car 14 (Alonso) got his lap time deleted in turn 9 and Max got his lap time deleted in turn 10. Turn 4 took its first victim, Checo, as he spins around due to late braking.
As FP1 ends, Verstappen goes fastest followed by Gasly and Hamilton.
FP2
Slight showers on the track as 80% chances of rain is predicted during the weekend. As the lights turn green for FP2, which was led by Raikkonen followed by Alonso and Sainz. Gasly was seen sitting in the pit wall in his t-shirt and shorts as his car was still in the pits. He did not take part in FP2 as there was some issue with his engine. As the session is in full swing. Checo locks up in turn 3 but recovers quickly.
The Alpine of Fernando Alonso was the fastest, as the Spaniard was flying around the circuit. As all cars are out on the circuit ( except Gasly ) drivers complain about slight showers of rains. Turn 3 took out a few victims of lockups and spinning due to the rain.
There was a brief yellow flag moment when Carlos Sainz spun into the gravel trap in turn 5.
Stroll goes the fastest for a brief moment until his teammate Sebastian Vettel see the lap record.
There was a yellow flag in sector 3 as Latifi spins into the gravel trap in turn 6 and goes into the grass.
Valterri Bottas spun in the pit lane almost into the McLaren garage.
The onboard video from Botta's car showed that he lost control of the car and spun in the pit lane almost spinning into eh McLaren garage.
He was under investigation by the Stewards and was called to the race control. He was given a 3 place grid penalty with a reduction of 2 points for 2 races. A very bad day for Bottas.
FP2 ended with Verstappen going fasted followed by Daniel Ricciardo and Ocon. Not a bad day for McLaren and Alpine as both drivers were in the top 10.
FP1 & FP2 were really good. Let's hope for a very exciting qualifying.
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