How to watch F1: 2021 Austrian Grand Prix start time and TV channels

F1’s final race of the first triple-header of the 2021 season means back-to-back races in Austrian once more.

It will be the fourth race in 12 months the Red Bull Ring has hosted but there will be a fair few drivers hoping this weekend goes a little bit better than the last.

With Max Verstappen taking Red Bull’s fourth consecutive win, things are looking like a repeat is on the cards though teams will be contending with a step softer compound of tyres versus last weekend.

Could that mix up the order a little bit more or will Red Bull make it five on the bounce?

Here are all the timings you need to know for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix.

(All times BST)

How many laps is the Austrian Grand Prix?

The Austrian GP is scheduled for 71 laps of the Red Bull Ring. There is the potential for rain on race day with some reports indicating an 80% chance of precipitation but that is falling.

Where to watch?

Sky Sports F1 will be showing every session of the Austrian Grand Prix weekend live. Friday will be FP1 and FP2 followed by FP3 and qualifying on the Saturday. Sunday’s race will be sandwiched by pre and post-race coverage.

For highlights of this weekend’s action, Channel 4 will be showing qualifying and race highlights in the evenings. Qualifying and race highlights will be shown at 6:30pm on Saturday and Sunday respectively. W Series racing will also be shown live on Channel 4 at 3pm on Saturday.

How to stream?

The Austrian Grand Prix weekend will be available on NowTV to stream online. You can watch Sky Sports coverage of each session from Friday through to Sunday’s race including the pre and post-race coverage on Sky Sports F1.

Who will win?

With Mercedes trialling some unique set-ups and still coming up short, Red Bull is very much the favourite for a repeat this weekend.

Should Verstappen take the victory it will put him 5-3 up versus Hamilton on the wins front and potentially extend his title lead out to 25 points or more.

The Mercedes team has been open about the deficit it faces against Red Bull this season as it switches attention to 2022.

Straightline speed has been a particular point of weakness against the Red Bull challenge but there don’t appear to be any plans to bring another major upgrade to the Red Bull Ring in time to make a difference.

Will the fact that the race is at the same venue and the week of analysis for teams make a difference? Possibly but Red Bull won’t have been standing still during the week between the Styrian and Austrian races.

2021 Austrian Grand Prix session times

Friday

Free Practice 1: 10:30 – 11:30

Free Practice 2: 14:00 – 15:00

Saturday

Free Practice 3: 11:00 – 12:00

Qualifying: 14:00 – 15:00

Sunday

Race: 14:00 – 16:00