Ferrari set to challenge Red Bull’s dominance at Austrian Grand Prix

Ferrari is poised to threaten Red Bull’s supremacy at its home Austrian Grand Prix this weekend, according to rivals and experts. The iconic Italian team introduced upgrades two races ago that unlocked performance, allowing its drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. to finish fourth and fifth. More upgrades this weekend and a track that has traditionally suited Ferrari could see the team push Red Bull.

Ferrari’s performance improved markedly at the last race in Canada, where the upgraded car was just 0.15 seconds off the pace of Max Verstappen’s dominant Red Bull. Ferrari has had the second fastest car in qualifying this season but dropped back in races due to high tyre wear and slow straight-line speed. However, the shorter laps and long straights of the Austrian circuit should play to its strengths.

The sprint race format this weekend could also aid Ferrari, according to Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko. “The sprint weekend will not be ideal for us. We still have more time maybe of free practice with our new upgraded car. We still need to understand and optimise the package,” he said. “The circuit will be good and maybe better for the package as well, this one with a strange layout, let’s say. Maybe good for Ferrari, historically here as well with a long straight and short corners.”

Leclerc won last year’s Austrian Grand Prix, Ferrari’s last victory. He also took pole position and a podium for the team in Azerbaijan this season. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin’s driver and Verstappen’s closest championship rival, believes Ferrari could threaten his own team’s form this weekend.

With its upgraded car delivering improved performance and a circuit that suits its strengths, Ferrari seem primed to take the fight to Red Bull in Austria. After a torrid start to the season, a strong result this weekend could turn around the team’s fortunes. Leclerc and Sainz will be hoping to give the iconic Scuderia and its army of fans something to cheer this weekend.

Also Read: New BMW M 1000 RR Launched In India