Austrian GP on TV: Heat and thin air! That’s what it’s all about in Spielberg

This weekend’s race at the Red Bull Ring is likely to prove a challenge for the teams in many respects. It is the first time the new engines will be used at high altitude. What’s more, it’s set to be hot in the Alps. The high temperatures pose a challenge for engines and tyres. There is also a chance of thunderstorms. So we could well see the first wet race under the new regulations – even though the weather services are currently forecasting rain only on Monday, after the race.

Altitude puts the engine under strain

The Red Bull Ring is situated at just over 660 metres above sea level. It is therefore the first Grand Prix of the season at high altitude, where the thin air poses a challenge for the engines. Added to this are spectacular ascents (up to 12 per cent) and descents (up to 9.3 per cent), as well as an elevation difference of 65 metres along the circuit. The higher a circuit is, the less oxygen there is in the air. What culminates in Mexico City in October at over 2,000 metres above sea level is first experienced here in Spielberg.

Shintaro Orihada, Honda’s chief engineer at the circuit, explains: “The altitude means that the turbocharger is put under greater strain compared to other races. When we still had the MGU-H, this affected energy recovery on this circuit. However, as this component is no longer part of the 2026 regulations, the MGU-H is no longer available to support the turbocharger, which could make it more difficult to ensure the turbocharger and engine operate correctly at high altitude.”

Der Red Bull Ring in Spielberg. Im Vordergrund: 2025er-Weltmeister Norris

Foto: XPB

Incidentally, the altitude can also affect the tyres: according to manufacturer Pirelli, the thinner air leads to lower downforce. As a result, the tyres are more likely to spin and wear out.

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Heat puts tyres under strain

As well as the strain on the tyres, the heat also plays a role for the powertrains: at high temperatures, cooling is put under considerable strain. Things are also likely to get interesting with the tyres, particularly due to the high temperatures. Pirelli has brought its softest compounds – the C3, C4 and C5 – to the track.

The Italian tyre manufacturer states: “Wear does not play a decisive role in Austria, as degradation is mainly thermal in origin. The tarmac is already several years old and therefore exhibits a high degree of micro- and macro-roughness, which in itself generates heat in the tyres. Grip is good thanks to the rubber deposited on the track during the numerous motorsport events held there throughout the year, and it improves over the course of the weekend as the track changes significantly and the cars’ performance increases.”

As for temperatures of up to 32 degrees, Pirelli states: “At the end of June, temperatures could be high and approach those seen in Barcelona. However, the circuit is situated in a mountainous area of Styria, and the surrounding forests can sometimes create conditions for sudden changes in the weather.” In other words: thunderstorms or brief showers could also be possible. As things stand midweek, these are only forecast for Monday. That could, of course, still change.

Energy management in Spielberg not an issue

At any rate, the controversial energy management system of the 2026 cars shouldn’t be a problem. ServusTV expert Christian Klien: “Overtaking is easy and there are plenty of corners where heavy braking is required. It’s only in the flowing third sector that a bit of energy management might be required.” Furthermore, the tweaks to the regulations have already made a big difference, according to Klien.

Austrian Grand Prix on TV: