In many ways, Red Bull Ring – venue of the Austrian Grand Prix – shares many characteristics with Paul Ricard, requiring a blend of good straight-line speed, and both low and high-speed cornering performance. In addition, the asphalt is relatively new. The altitude of the circuit (approximately 800m above sea level) brings unique problems, with the turbochargers having to work harder to deliver the same power output from the drivetrain, while the lower density air also impacts cooling performance, both for the power unit/gearbox and the brakes. Downforce vs Drag Teams will tend to run a higher downforce set-up, with the altitude favouring such a configuration, although the...
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