It’s set to be a scorcher in the Styrian hills as the Formula 1 paddock heads to the Red Bull Ring. After a week’s break following the Barcelona-Catalunya grand prix the Austrian Grand Prix hosts round eight of the 2026 season.
The Brits enjoyed a successful weekend in Spain, most will be hoping for similar fortunes this time out with this weekend being the first fo a double header.
Here is what to expect from the five British drivers this weekend.
Lewis Hamilton
Hamilton was the pick of the bunch in Barcelona, the seven time world champion securing his first victory with Ferrari and his first since 2024.
This victory has compiled a recent run of form into a genuine title challenge despite his defecit to championship leader Kimi Antonelli.
Another strong result for Hamilton and Ferrari will all but confirm a genuine chance of an eight world championship for Hamilton.
George Russell
It was a weekend to savour for George Russell, who seemingly overcame the pace deficit to teammate Kimi Antonelli and for the first time in a long while came away from the weekend with a haul of points.
Whilst strategy overshadowed any potential fight for victory for Russell last time, an upturn in form certainly will give him a boost of confidence in his title bid.
For George, this weekend is simple, beat Antonelli and a podium is the minimum he should aim for.
Lando Norris
Norris was the final British driver to make up the all Brit podium in Barcelona, a result Norris himself wouldn’t have been remotely thinking was possible given McLaren’s lack of pace.
Norris has an odd scenario heading into each weekend, he never really knows how good his car will be from track to track. That being said historically, Austria has been a happy hunting ground for the McLaren driver.
A strong showing for Norris will likely leave him in the same scenario as last time out with a race of attrition being his ticket to a potential podium.
Arvid Linblad
Linblad was the final British point scorer in Barcelona, the VCARB rookie making it back-to-back point scoring finishes and showing another weekend of maturity.
The VCARB package looks like a really dependable midfield car and one that can consistently battle for the scraps of the points finishes. It’ll be key for Linblad to maintain his run of form heading into the double header.
A points finish will be the highest aim for Linblad but another solid weekend of qualifying and race pace will more than be satisfactory.
Oliver Bearman
Bearman suffered his second consecutive retirement in as many races with another weekend to forget for Haas and Bearman around the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.
The HAAS package looks decent on paper and in the hands of Bearman has looked a capable challenger for points at time but the reliability has been a huge thorn in their side recently.
A points finish will be hopeful for Bearman who will personally just be looking to reach the chequered flag.
Austrian Grand Prix Schedule-
Friday-
FP1-12:30-13:30 GMT
FP2-16:00-17:00 GMT
Saturday-
FP3-11:30-12:30 GMT
Qualifying- 15:00-16:00 GMT
Sunday-
Race- 14:00 GMT
Main Image Credits- Mercedes Media
