Red Bull’s home race under threat of being “blocked” by climate activists

Climate activists have caused disturbance in the functioning of race weekends across various series in recent past.

Red Bull’s home race under threat of being “blocked” by climate activists

Austrian GP race start (Via: Imago)

Only a few teams on the grid have a home race. One of the teams includes the reigning champions, Red Bull. The Austrian company calls the Red Bull Ring its home track in the Styrian hills, a staple in F1 since 2014. However, Red Bull’s plans to celebrate its home race loom in darkness as climate activists across the nation plan to block the track’s access.

The Austrian GP has a massive fan following as the grandstands are often flooded with orange flares. Moreover, the race is also a part of pride for Red Bull as they are one of the few teams to have a home race, unlike Mercedes and Alpine.

YouTube video

According to the Austrian newspaper Kleine Zeitung, several climate activists are planning to block the track’s access for fans, personnel, and journalists who run the risk of running into blockages causing the event to be a failure.

FS Video

Receiving such alerts, Austrian police and race organizers have already increased the security arrangements around the track. Also, a high fence has been installed around the track to stop any person from hampering the race’s smooth functioning.

Max Verstappen hopes for a calm Spanish GP for Red Bull

After winning the drama-filled Canadian GP, Max Verstappen looked set to return to his usual routine of winning. However, fears of McLaren and Ferrari catching up have spoilt their party in the past few weekends. Warranting the Dutchman to hope for a calm and smooth sailing win for Red Bull at the Spanish GP.

Red Bull's Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen
Adrian Newey and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

When the reigning world champion was asked about his expectations for the Spanish GP, he replied.

I hope so, yes. The last few races were quite difficult, but it didn't stop there. There were also a lot of problems during the weekend, so we are hoping for a Spanish Grand Prix weekend without too many problems.
Max Verstappen said in an interview with RacingNews365

The 26-year-old desired to win the Spanish GP after a few tough weekends when the Red Bull was clearly not the benchmark. Thus, Verstappen wanted the RB20 to glide through the weekend without any problems and add another win to his tally.

Despite his aspirations, McLaren and Ferrari and on the toes of Red Bull. Moreover, Sergio Perez has not been at the front end, making the Austrian squad limp in front of its competitors.

In case you missed it: