After nearly securing a double points finish in the last Canadian Grand Prix, which also marked its 200th Formula 1 race, Haas arrives in Austria aiming to get both its drivers into the top ten for the third time this season. The team hasn’t achieved this result since the Bahrain GP, and before that in China, with Esteban Ocon only managing a seventh place in Monaco between Bahrain and Canada.
Now comes the challenge of Spielberg for the Frenchman, a circuit where he has often delivered solid performances—not only in Formula 1. “Austria is always an interesting weekend. The Red Bull Ring is tough on the brakes and it’s one of the races held at a bit of altitude. It has high-speed sections, closer to the faster circuits on the calendar, and it’s one of the classics. It’s also where I took my first podium, a long time ago in Formula Renault, though the track was quite different then. What hasn’t changed is the great atmosphere—everyone enjoys racing here.”
Sweet memories in other categories also come to mind for Oliver Bearman, one of six rookies this season, who hasn’t scored points since the Bahrain GP, where he achieved his third and so far last consecutive top-ten finish. “I have a great memory of winning at the Red Bull Ring last year (in Formula 2), and after a solid weekend in Canada, I feel good. It’s a beautiful venue with really passionate fans, definitely a highlight of the European part of the season. It’s a short, fast, and undulating track, so it’s a pleasure to drive when you hook up a lap. Good communication and preparation are important, but I have no doubt we’ll be in the fight.” – the Ferrari junior concluded.
Leave a Reply