After a brief sojourn in Canada, the European season continues apace this weekend, as we head to the Styrian Alps in Spielberg, for the Austrian Grand Prix.

McLaren have a rich history in Austria. We’re tied with Ferrari for most Austrian Grand Prix wins, which includes famous victories from home hero Niki Lauda, as well as from Alain Prost, Mika Häkkinen, and David Coulthard.

It was also the site of Lando’s first F1 podium and is set to host Alex Dunne’s first competitive mileage in a Formula 1 car, with the Formula 2 Championship leader replacing Lando in Free Practice 1, as part of the Sporting Regulation requirement to field a rookie driver in at least four FP1 sessions a season.

Ahead of the weekend, we’ve gathered the thoughts of Lando, Oscar, and Alex, as well as Team Principal Andrea Stella. We’ve also detailed what we love about the Austrian Grand Prix, the main challenges it presents, and what we think you should wear.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to racing in Austria this week, it's a circuit with great memories for me and the start of another double-header.

“I’ve been working hard preparing with the team, spending time at the factory with my engineers. It's now time to take that information to track and get our heads down as we look to score some strong results.”

“I finished second in Austria last year and the aim is to go one better this year. I want to start this run of European races on the front foot and attack the weekend.

“It’s a short track but it’s a fun one to drive and I enjoy the combination of the straights and downhill quick corners. The team are doing an awesome job, and I can’t wait to get in the car.”

Alex Dunne, McLaren Development Driver:

“I’m super excited to be with the team for FP1 in Austria. It’s a really fun track to drive, and it’s going to be a very special day for my family and me. I can’t thank McLaren enough for the opportunity and their ongoing support in helping me develop as a driver.

“The TPC testing that we’ve done in the MCL60 has been really positive with strong improvements. The team have really helped in making sure I’m ready for my first FP1 session, I can’t wait to get started and I look forward to learning as much as possible from the whole team, Lando and Oscar.”

"After some valuable time back at the factory, we now head to Austria for the start of another double-header. We start the weekend by welcoming Alex Dunne, who will be driving the MCL39 during FP1 - we look forward to seeing him on track. The Spielberg circuit is a track that has provided a number of positive results for the team in recent years, notably the competitive weekend we had there in 2023, which can be seen as a turning point in our journey to becoming a World Championship winning team.

“We’re almost at the halfway point of the season and despite leading both championships, take nothing for granted. Therefore, it is important that we go into this year’s Austrian Grand Prix fully focused and with awareness of the competitiveness of other teams fighting towards the front of the grid.”

Why we love the Austrian Grand Prix

Spielberg is among the most picturesque venues on the calendar. While many circuits are situated nearby to beautiful cities or landscapes, the Red Bull Ring is quite literally located within the breathtaking Styrian Alps, which wrap around the track.

Referred to as the ‘Green Heart of Austria’, the Styrian Alps are known for their gently sloping rolling hills and dense, leafy green forests. It’s an ideal race for those who love the outdoors, with the area offering some excellent walking and cycling routes, as well as several local campsites to stay in.

There are so many outstanding viewpoints around the circuit, with the track situated within a natural bowl in the mountains. The best seat in the house can be found at the Red Bull Ring’s ‘Nord’ grandstand, on the outside of Turn 3, which offers a panoramic view of the action, including the back straight, the circuit’s primary overtaking spot.

What are the challenges?

Not only is the circuit’s mountain-based location visibly interesting, but it also provides some unique on-track challenges.

Situated around 700m above sea level, cars travel uphill during the first half of the lap and then back downhill in the second half, undertaking an elevation change of 63.3m from the lowest to the highest point, which impacts power, downforce, and grip.

The elevation changes also make the weather highly unpredictable, with conditions changing from one lap to another. The speed at which the track can become soaked and then dry again often results in some particularly tricky strategic decisions during a race.

Car setup is further complicated by the significant differences between the two halves of the circuit. Power and low drag are important during the first half of the 4.318km lap, which features three straights, while high downforce is rewarded in the second half, which comprises several short corners in quick succession.

The best overtaking opportunities can be found in the first half of the lap, with cars able to get close during the three straights, before going wheel-to-wheel at Turns 2, 3 and 4.

The season so far

Last time out, Oscar finished fourth and Lando 18th, as we failed to score a podium for the first time this season. However, we still maintain a healthy lead in the Constructors’ standings, with a 175-point advantage over second, while our record of scoring points in every round since the 2023 Canadian Grand Prix remains intact.

The fit

It’s been a warm few weeks in Europe, so you’ll want a T-shirt that can keep you cool. Our set-up T-shirts have been designed with this in mind, they’re super breathable and feature a lower-back mesh panel and laser-cut underarm holes for increased airflow. They’re even tailored towards your favourite driver, allowing you to show your support for Lando or Oscar, with their names printed on the back and their national flag on the front.