5 Amazing Moments at the Austrian Grand Prix
Nestled in the Styrian hills, the Austrian Grand Prix has always delivered more than just scenic views—it’s brought drama, glory, heartbreak, and history to Formula 1. From its earliest days at the treacherous Österreichring to the modern-day showdowns at the Red Bull Ring, this circuit has seen some of the most iconic moments in the sport.
Let’s revisit five amazing moments that cemented the Austrian Grand Prix as one of the most unforgettable races on the calendar.
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1982 – Elio de Angelis holds off Keke Rosberg by 0.05 seconds
One of the closest finishes in Formula 1 history came at the Österreichring in 1982, when Elio de Angelis delivered Lotus their first win since the death of Colin Chapman. Driving with calm precision, de Angelis found himself under relentless pressure from Keke Rosberg in the closing stages. The Finnish driver pushed his Williams to the limit, but de Angelis held him off by just 0.05 seconds—the second-closest finish ever at the time. It was a moment of redemption for Lotus and a deeply emotional win for the young Italian, whose calm exterior hid the magnitude of the moment.
1999 – Eddie Irvine’s clutch win keeps his title hopes alive
When Michael Schumacher broke his leg at Silverstone earlier that season, Ferrari’s title hopes looked bleak. But Eddie Irvine stepped up. At the A1-Ring in 1999, the Northern Irishman delivered one of the grittiest performances of his career. After a strong start, he held off David Coulthard and Mika Häkkinen in the closing laps, clinching a critical win that kept him in the hunt for the championship. It was a clear signal that Irvine could lead the Scuderia—even if only temporarily—and it added another layer of tension to an already dramatic title fight.
2002 – Schumacher and Barrichello’s controversial finish
The 2002 Austrian Grand Prix remains one of the most controversial moments in modern Formula 1. Rubens Barrichello, who had dominated the race weekend, was ordered to move over and let Michael Schumacher pass in the final meters. Team orders were legal but deeply unpopular, and the reaction was instant and brutal—boos rained down as Schumacher awkwardly dragged Barrichello to the top step of the podium. The incident led to a rule change banning team orders that influence race results (until they were quietly re-allowed in 2011). It was a black mark on Ferrari’s dominant era and a moment that continues to spark debate to this day.
2016 – Hamilton and Rosberg collide on the final lap
Title rivals Rosberg and Hamilton clash on the final lap 💥
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 27, 2024
Toto was not impressed 😤#F1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/2Fm1EsiGFK
By 2016, the rivalry between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg had reached fever pitch—and it exploded spectacularly at the Red Bull Ring. On the final lap, with Rosberg leading and Hamilton on his gearbox, the two clashed going into Turn 2. Rosberg’s front wing broke, and Hamilton sailed through to take the win. The incident ignited another round of intra-team warfare, with team boss Toto Wolff threatening race bans. It was the perfect storm of drama, speed, and bitter rivalry—everything a fan could want from a title fight.
2020 – Lando Norris becomes the youngest Briton to stand on an F1 podium
In a season delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, F1’s return at the Red Bull Ring in 2020 was emotional and electric. But few moments stood out more than Lando Norris’s breakthrough. After qualifying fourth and battling through the field, Norris clocked the fastest lap on the final lap of the race—crucially finishing within five seconds of Lewis Hamilton, who had received a time penalty. The result? A stunning third place and the first podium of Norris’s career. The McLaren garage erupted, and fans around the world knew they had just witnessed the rise of a future star.
The Austrian Grand Prix may not always get the same hype as Monaco or Silverstone, but time and again, it delivers moments that define seasons—and careers. Whether it’s the raw emotion of a first-time winner, the fury of team politics, or the thinnest of margins, Spielberg knows how to steal the spotlight.
As we head into the next chapter of racing in the Styrian mountains, one thing is clear: this race always finds a way to surprise. What’s your favorite Austrian Grand Prix moment?
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