The Red Bull Ring course, fifth shortest in the 2023 schedule at 2.68 miles, is built for speed. Due to its nature, the quickest lap times are often achieved here in dry conditions.
Last season, Max Verstappen established the fastest lap at this circuit in just 1m04.984s. His closest rival was his 1m10.342s lap at Zandvoort.
Congestion has been a common issue in the past as drivers jostle for open space to execute their fast laps. Impeding has been a problem, with drivers penalized in the last two races by stewards for obstructing other racers.
The Austrian Grand Prix will hold two qualifying rounds as it is the second sprint round to run under the updated format, hence the issue of blocking is expected to take center stage.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly, penalized for blocking in Spain but later obstructed by Carlos Sainz in Canada, emphasized the importance of each individual’s part in reducing impediments.
He commented, “It’s always a challenge. In Canada, it had a significant impact on our entire race weekend. As a racer, your aim is always to give it your all.
“Traffic is easy to manage on some tracks, but not so much on others. Montreal is one of those difficult tracks, and Austria is expected to be tough as well.
“I think at this particular circuit, every team member – from drivers and engineers, to all those who can offer assistance and support in the car – needs to be at their best. It’s a brief track and everyone’s attempting to create gaps.”
Gasly added that a lap ruined by blocking or penalties from stewards often caused disruptions throughout the weekend.
He elaborated, “You don’t want to obstruct anyone and cause issues. Sometimes it ruins your entire weekend.
“It’s not just about qualifying. Starting 17th from the rear alters your whole race strategy. It’s going to be a challenge.
“Hopefully, everyone can navigate it as best as possible.”
A meeting between F1 drivers and FIA representatives is scheduled for Thursday evening. GPDA president George Russell anticipates a discussion about maintaining clear and consistent enforcement of the rules.
On the other hand, Fernando Alonso from Aston Martin has proposed F1 consider a temporary format adjustment for shorter courses by splitting the 20-car Q1 into groups, similar to junior series at Monaco.
Alonso, a two-time world champion, also suggested the championship consider a return of the one-car, one-lap qualifying shootouts for better team and sponsor visibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Austria F1 Qualifying
What is the primary concern raised by Pierre Gasly?
Gasly raises the issue of drivers blocking each other during the F1 qualifying sessions, specifically at the Austria Grand Prix. He emphasises that this behavior not only affects the qualifying rounds, but also significantly impacts race strategies.
Why does Gasly mention the need for everyone’s role in preventing blocking?
He believes that everyone involved in the race – drivers, engineers, and the support team – has a responsibility to help manage the traffic on the circuit and avoid blocking. This is especially important in short and high-speed tracks like the Red Bull Ring in Austria.
What is the potential impact of blocking according to Gasly?
According to Gasly, a lap that is compromised by blocking or penalties from stewards can disrupt entire race weekends. He suggests that starting further back because of these issues can change the whole strategy of the race.
What is the proposed solution to the congestion in qualifying sessions?
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin proposes a temporary format adjustment for shorter tracks by splitting the 20-car Q1 into groups. He also suggests a return of the one-car, one-lap qualifying shootouts for better visibility of teams and sponsors.
When and where is the issue of blocking expected to be addressed?
The issue of blocking is expected to be addressed at a meeting between F1 drivers and FIA representatives, which is scheduled for a Thursday evening. GPDA president George Russell anticipates a discussion about maintaining clear and consistent enforcement of the rules.
More about Austria F1 Qualifying
- About Pierre Gasly
- F1 Qualifying Rules
- Red Bull Ring Circuit
- Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA)
- FIA Official Site
- About Fernando Alonso
5 comments
It’s like, you wait the entire week for the race weekend and then a stupid block ruins the qualifying. grrr…Hope this meeting sorts things out…
Can’t believe Gasly got penalized in Spain and then blocked in Canada! Just ain’t fair…Race is race but some rules gotta be respected.
Seems like Austria’s gonna be quite a showdown, yeah? Lot’s riding on it…Alonso’s idea sounds cool to me, wonder if they’ll take it on board.
I’m wit Gasly, everyone needs to play their part. Just coz it’s a short track doesn’t mean u can just impede others! Show some sportsmanship folks…
Man, gasly’s right! this blocking thing is gettin outta hand. it ruins the whole fun of the race…FIA needs to step up their game!