From the Österreichring to the Red Bull Ring: The history of the Austrian Grand PriX The Red Bull Ring, home to the Austrian Grand Prix, is one of the most picturesque and beautiful race tracks in the world. Nestled away in the Styrian mountains, it has become a firm favourite with race goers, and not just because of the incredible scenery – with fast corners and a short track length, you’ll see plenty of action. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating race track… The Red Bull Ring hokey pokey… The first Austrian Grand Prix was held at Zeltweg Airfield in 1964, but the track was narrow and bumpy so after just one race, it was deemed no longer suitable for Formula One. Across the street from the airfield work started on a new circuit – the Österreichring. This was a long track, with fast corners, and plenty of elevation changes – 65 metres between the lowest and the highest point. At no point did a Formula One car have to go below third gear. It was popular with the drivers, but it was also very dangerous. In 1975, American Mark Donohue was killed in a crash during practice, with a track marshal also dying. The original Österreichring had to undergo some changes. The 1987 Austrian Grand Prix was the end for the old Österreichring track. In practice, one driver hit a deer and then the race had to be started three times. It was farcical, and Austria wouldn’t host another Grand Prix for 10 years. The old Österreichring had a new name – the A1 Ring. A new track was designed by Hermann Tilke – and it hosted a Grand Prix every year until 2003 when Formula One pulled out – reportedly over a disagreement with the European Union over their ban of tobacco products, which the Austrian Government supported. Back in the wilderness the Austrian GP was sent. The A1 Ring was bought in 2004 by Dietrich Mateschitz, owner of Red Bull, who demolished the grandstands and the pit buildings with ambitious plans to build a racing school, theme park, kart track and other nearby attractions – but met with opposition from the Austrian Environment Council. Finally, in 2008 a €70 million reconstruction began on the renamed Red Bull Ring, which opened in 2010. In 2014, it hosted an Austrian Grand Prix, and finally the hokey pokey was brought to an end… well, until the 2030 season at least. The Lions’ tours provide a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s best rugby talent play together, creating an exhilarating blend of rivalry and camaraderie among the nations of the British Isles. This tradition has not only shaped rugby’s history but also contributed to the sport’s cultural heritage, with every tour adding to the legacy of epic contests, unforgettable moments and a fierce pride in wearing the iconic red jersey. What is the Red Bull Ring circuit like? The Red Bull Ring is breath-taking. It’s located 677m above sea level, so it offers stunning views of the surrounding Mur Valley countryside. The track itself is a great combination of high-speed bends and long straights with plenty of opportunity for overtaking. From the first corner to the last, you won’t be able to keep your eyes off the action at the Red Bull Ring, one of the most incredible circuits in Formula One. Memorable Moments on the Red Bull Ring circuit The Red Bull Ring, and the Österreichring before it, have produced many memorable moments over the years. Take the battle between Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen in 2002. Schumacher’s teammate, Rubens Barrichello, was leading going into the final lap, but received orders to “Let Michael pass for the Championship.” He did, and a sheepish Schumacher took the win and the World Championship. Nothing could top the 1984 Austrian Grand Prix, though. With Austrian legend Niki Lauda, on his return to Formula One, battling it out with reigning champion Nelson Piquet for the World Title. At his home Grand Prix in Austria, Lauda was leading in the final lap, but lost a few gears. As Piquet challenged, unaware of the damage, he assumed that Lauda was driving tactically, so held back. Lauda held on, and won the Championship by half a point with the win at the old Österreichring decisive. How to get tickets for the Austrian Grand Prix Being there to watch a Formula One Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring is a must for any racing fan. If that sounds like you, we can help. We offer fantastic packages, not just guaranteeing you official tickets for the race weekend, but also a stay at one of our hand-picked hotels in Vienna and a transfer to the circuit. With our reps on hand for the duration of the stay, we’ll ensure that you don’t have a thing to worry about.