The masks are now also falling at the Red Bull Ring

A year ago, the Red Bull Ring in Styria was a historic location when the 2020 Formula 1 season started there on July 5th, which was delayed due to corona. In the slipstream of the race, there was also a kind of optimism in other professional sports, where the wheels had to stand still due to the pandemic. Next weekend, the Red Bull Ring will again be the scene of a new beginning. After the Grand Prix of Styria last weekend, when only 12,000 spectators were allowed under strict precautionary measures, the masks are now falling in Spielberg: More than 100,000 spectators are expected. The Grand Prix on Sunday will be the largest public event since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in Austria. Restrictions for the audience are largely eliminated.

The 3G rule is still valid, but there is no longer a general mask requirement at the race site. In addition, the popular fan zone returns behind the first corner. Live music acts, fan challenges and a vehicle exhibition await the audience there.

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“Orange Invasion”

Thousands of fans, especially from the Netherlands, will populate the grandstands. Because Max Verstappen is currently a national hero. Especially after the unexpected exit of the national soccer team at the European Championship. At Red Bull, you are hoping for a déjà vu. You have to “take the momentum with you”, emphasized team boss Christian Horner. Consultant Helmut Marko was impressed by how much the current car hit the “sweet spot”.

In addition, Pirelli generally brings somewhat softer tires at the weekend, which Marko is hoping for even greater advantages, as the RB16B is extremely gentle on the rubber rollers. Tire topic number two also takes place in Spielberg: After the Baku accidents at Verstappen and Lance Stroll, new and more robust rear tires are tested in Friday practice, which should then be used in Silverstone if possible.