Red Bull Ring and Formula One forge a long alliance, extend Austrian GP racing contract until 2030

Amidst rising popularity of street circuits, the Austrian Grand Prix secure its F1 future.

Red Bull Ring (Image credit: Motorsport.com)

Formula 1 has secured a new deal to continue racing at the Red Bull Ring, just four months after the previous announcement. The series announced a contract extension with the Austrian venue in March, extending its presence until 2027. The new agreement adds another three years, ensuring F1 will race at the track until at least 2030.

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed delight in announcing the news alongside their partners in Austria. He credited Dietrich Mateschitz’s vision for making it possible and confirmed racing at the venue until 2030 as a special tribute. The Austrian race is a favorite among drivers and fans, promising years of excitement.

“I am delighted to announce this news with our exceptional partners in Austria,” said Domenicali.” “Dietrich Mateschitz, a man who loved this sport, made this all possible. It is a very special moment and a tribute to him that we can confirm we will be racing at this incredible venue until 2030,” the F1 CEO concluded.

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The Austrian Grand Prix’s historic journey from Zeltweg Airfield to A1-Ring

Zeltweg Airfield (Image credit: Motorsport Images)

The Austrian Grand Prix debuted in the F1 World Championship in 1964, taking place at the Zeltweg Airfield, which had been repurposed as a racing circuit. From 1970 to 1987, the Grand Prix was held at the high-speed Osterreichring. However, safety concerns led to its exclusion from the calendar.

1997 the Austrian Grand Prix returned at the extensively renovated A1-Ring circuit—the new layout incorporated elements from the original Osterreichring. The race remained a consistent fixture on the F1 calendar until 2003.

The atmosphere is pumping in Austria ahead of the Grand Prix start ?@Max33Verstappen is a big hit too ?#AustrianGP #F1 @redbullracing pic.twitter.com/AKKCjzZWlp
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 2, 2023

Following a gap of several years, the Austrian Grand Prix returned in 2014. Red Bull, having acquired the circuit, made significant upgrades to the facilities. As a result, the race is now secure on the F1 calendar for at least the next seven years.

Austria’s extension defies F1’s trend of city street races in new territories. As the calendar expands with the Las Vegas Grand Prix in 2023, traditional European circuits face pressure. The French Grand Prix, too, is absent this year. Rumors suggest alternating years for the Dutch and Belgian Grands Prix as F1 expands beyond Europe.