Watch Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix — Practice 2 Free.

What's at Stake

As the second practice session at the Red Bull Ring, this window is the most critical period for teams to gather high-fuel data and assess tire degradation. With the 2026 technical regulations in full swing, mastering the energy recovery systems on Spielberg’s steep inclines is essential for securing a competitive grid position and a viable race strategy.

Form Guide

Heading into the Austrian hills, the championship battle has intensified with several teams showing improved aerodynamic efficiency in high-speed corners. Recent rounds have favored cars with strong traction out of slow-speed turns, making the uphill run to Turn 3 a primary focus for engineers looking to maintain momentum in the standings.

Key Players to Watch

• Max Verstappen — The home favorite at the Red Bull Ring typically excels at finding the limit of the track's aggressive kerbs.
• Lewis Hamilton — His experience in managing tire wear during long runs will be vital for Ferrari's data collection efforts.
• Oscar Piastri — The McLaren driver has shown exceptional pace in high-speed sectors, making him a threat for the top of the timing sheets.

Prediction

Expect the session to be dominated by long-run simulations, with the top three teams separated by less than two-tenths of a second. Red Bull is likely to emerge with the most consistent pace on the medium compound, though McLaren will likely challenge for the fastest single lap toward the end of the hour.