Get along well: Max Verstappen and Lando Norris © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

Will there be another duel between the best enemies?

Before the Austrian Grand Prix in Spielberg, everything points to a duel between the best of enemies. Unlike in previous years, Red Bull dominator Max Verstappen is not travelling to his home race in Styria as the overwhelming favorite.

June 27, 2024

From: apa

His good friend and rival Lando Norris was recently a little faster in his McLaren than the Formula 1 series world champion. Despite this, the flawless Verstappen won the last two races in Canada and Spain. This is not the only reason why the Grand Prix on Sunday (15.00 p.m.) promises plenty of excitement. In addition to Verstappen (26) and Norris (24), who occasionally do things together in their free time, the strengthened Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell also want to have a say in the victory. The latter had recently led twice after the first lap.

But the probability is high that there will be a winner in orange. Verstappen is traditionally supported by the Dutch "Orange Army" in the Murtal, while Norris, who recently finished second twice, is wearing papaya orange. "It's always good to see the Orange Army here and feel the support in the stands," said Verstappen full of anticipation. "Hopefully we can make the fans proud and bring home another victory."

Verstappen worried

It would be the eighth this year. In the World Championship, Verstappen leads by a comfortable 24 points ahead of Norris before the eleventh of 69 races of the season, with Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) two points further behind. In Barcelona, ​​Norris was in the fastest car, which Verstappen was not happy about. "I've been worried about that for a while. We have to get it under control again," Verstappen stressed at ViaplayBut there isn't much time for that in Spielberg, as the drivers have one of the six sprint weekends this season to look forward to.

Max Verstappen is the hunted one. © APA/afp / MANAURE QUINTERO

The ideal setup for the cars must therefore be found in just one training session on Friday (12.30:24 p.m.), followed four hours later by qualifying for the sprint (12.00 laps) on Saturday (16.00:71 p.m.). The starting grid for the main race (XNUMX laps) on Sunday will be determined on Saturday afternoon (XNUMX:XNUMX p.m.).

For Norris, it's his second Grand Prix victory at stake on one of his favorite tracks. "The car is in good condition," he said. However, the Briton is not setting his sights too high; the Miami winner prefers to take a modest approach. "We want to improve every weekend and let the results speak for themselves. Let's see what we can achieve." The rising star certainly has good memories of Spielberg, having already finished third on the podium twice.

“McLaren is doing a great job.” Christian horner

But Spielberg record winner Verstappen has even better memories of the Red Bull Ring. The triple world champion won three of the last four Grand Prix and both sprints in Styria. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner is also aware of the increasing competition. "McLaren is doing a great job, Ferrari is not far behind, Mercedes has also made progress, but we are still just ahead," he said at Sky.

Charles Leclerc has recently experienced difficult weeks. © APA/afp / THOMAS COEX

Despite Verstappen's dominance, Red Bull Racing is only 60 points ahead of Ferrari in the constructors' championship, while McLaren is 93 points behind. This is partly due to the fact that Sergio Perez is currently lagging behind in the second Red Bull. In the last four races, the Mexican, who was allowed to extend his contract with the Austrian racing team by two years until 2026 three weeks ago, finished eighth twice and did not see the finish line twice. Ferrari also wants to get back on the road to success after two unsatisfactory races. "We have to stay calm, we have to look from event to event," said Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur.