From Max Verstappen on the attack to some very closely-matched Mercedes drivers, and Racing Points real race speed to Sebastian Vettel trying to a recuperate from a lowly starting spot, we highlight five crucial subjects to keep an eye out for at the Red Bull Ring when the lights head out …
Verstappen playing to Red Bulls strengths
Beginning on the mediums postures a risk to Mercedes
Red Bull had looked more competitive previously in the qualifying session before Mercedes pulled clear, however Verstappen put in what could show to be a crucial lap in the result of this race in the middle of Q2. On his very first run, he did two timed laps on medium tires, and the second was good enough to advance to Q3.
At the end of qualifying, there was a lot of focus on the space between the Mercedes pair and Verstappen in 3rd location, with the Red Bull motorist over half a second adrift of Valtteri Bottas.
LEARNT MORE: Verstappen banking on warm weather to make tire benefit count in Sundays race
The Red Bull looked especially strong on the medium tyre during Fridays long runs– and with temperature levels looking high for Sunday (more on that later) his various strategy is the very best possibility to take the battle to the front two.
That suggests Verstappen begins on those tyres, and he is the only chauffeur in the leading 10 to do so. And the time space in qualifying is not so crucial when the grid forms up, with the Dutchman directly behind the two Mercedes drivers.
LEARNT MORE: Scintillating Bottas takes masterful pole as Ferrari struggle in Austria
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Where Bottas had the edge over Verstappen in certifying
Bottas and Hamilton carefully matched
Simply 0.012 s separated the set in qualifying
Verstappen will also be hoping he gets a little help from the 2 Mercedes motorists fighting, as they look set for a thrilling fight between themselves. Bottas has generally gone well at the Red Bull Ring, and discovered his rhythm at the correct time in certifying to take the very first lead of 2020.
FOUND OUT MORE: I finally opened the performance in myself states Bottas after Austria pole
At the very first race of the season with zero points on the board, both motorists receive level playing fields from Mercedes to combat for victory, and the opening laps are likely to be vital as they fight for track position to get the finest method.
Hamilton was nearly facing a tougher battle after he was investigated for apparently failing to slow for yellow flags on his final lap in Q3 after Bottas had actually gone off the road ahead of him, but the stewards cleared him of any misbehavior after reviewing video footage. That means the protecting champion will have the inside line to Turn 1 …
WATCH: The occurrence that triggered Hamilton to be examined
Racing Points race speed
Could there be podium capacity?
Among the major locations of focus because pre-season testing– in terms of on-track matters of course– has actually been the 2020 Racing Point automobile and its similarity to last years Mercedes. The automobile looked strong in pre-season and brought that form into Friday and Saturday.
With Albon looking a little bit adrift of Verstappens performance– in part due to the Dutchman getting an upgrade first– and Ferrari certainly having a hard time at this early point in the season, that fourth location is the minimum target the team will have on Sunday– and one slip from the leading three could open a podium chance.
The pace on Friday recommended Racing Point were possibly 3rd quickest total behind Mercedes and Red Bull, so it was almost a disappointment for the team to not be leading the likes of McLaren in certifying Lando Norris took out a sensational lap to qualify fourth, but the British driver confesses he is going to need to search in his mirrors for Alex Albon and Racing Point posing a major hazard.
LEARNT MORE: We never believed we might beat Racing Point, confesses Norris after career-best 4th in certifying.
Exists more to come from Racing Point?
Vettel beginning outside the leading 10
Ferrari have been having a hard time but have strategic options
Ferrari warned that they were likely to have a hard time at the start of the season, however we have actually ended up being so used to a Mercedes-Ferrari-Red Bull leading 3 ahead of a midfield pack that it still came as a huge surprise to see Sebastian Vettel leave in Q2.
FOUND OUT MORE: I believed we had more in hand – Vettel surprised by Q2 exit as Ferrari struggle in Austria
Ferraris long term pace didnt look particularly strong, but Vettel does have the advantage of a complimentary option of tyres, which is likely going to make him the highest placed motorist apart from Verstappen to start on the mediums. And the Red Bull Ring is certainly a circuit where you can surpass, as Vettel revealed remarkably last season.
The German states his starting position of 11th place is simply a reflection of Ferraris speed in Austria, with balance problems preventing him from finding the little bit of time he needed to join team mate Charles Leclerc in Q3. But all is not lost …
Will Vettel go on the rampage in Sundays race?
Difficult temperatures and race rustiness
Sunday is set to be the hottest day of the weekend as racing resumes
After a long hold-up to start the season and with many groups having substantially various cars to the ones that ended testing, Fridays track running was important in comprehending how they are carrying out. But after 2 days that were relatively cool for this time of year, Sunday is set to be visibly hotter, with ambient temperatures climbing towards 30C.
That will open unknowns in regards to the tire life and efficiency, so methods could need to alter as soon as the early laps demonstrate how the race is unfolding … however there could likewise be motorist variables.
CHECKED OUT MORE: Leclerc not anticipating wonders in Austrian GP as Ferrari not even close to expectations
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And whatever Friday told us, were going to see definitive race speed from all 10 groups for the very first time, and get our first real image of where the primary fights in 2020 will be.
It is over seven months because any of the chauffeurs went barrelling into Turn 1 at complete speed alongside 19 other F1 automobiles, and its a sight we cant wait to see. It also comes with the capacity for occurrences, as some drivers might take a mindful method, while others see an opportunity.
Dependability typically plays a part in the opening race of any season, too, and with the similarity Williams revealing better efficiency– George Russell so nearly reaching Q2– all 10 teams will think points could be on offer if they perform to the best of their abilities.
Ferraris long run pace didnt look particularly speed, but Vettel does have the benefit of a free choice of tyres, which is likely going to make him the highest placed driver apart from Verstappen to start on the mediumsBegin And the Red Bull Ring is absolutely a circuit where you can surpass, as Vettel showed remarkably last season.
The German states his beginning position of 11th place is simply a reflection of Ferraris pace in Austria, with balance concerns preventing him from finding the little bit of time he needed to sign up with group mate Charles Leclerc in Q3. All is not lost …
To commemorate the season relaunch, we are using readers 25% off Annual F1 TV subscriptions. Subscribe now utilizing code BACK25 to bring all the enjoyment of the race weekend directly to your favourite gadgets, live and on-demand.
