Nestled in the rolling hills of Styria near Spielberg, the Red Bull Ring is one of Europe’s most picturesque Grand Prix circuits. Combining dramatic elevation changes with a deceptively simple layout, it rewards precision under braking, confident cornering and strong traction while delivering consistently close racing across multiple categories.
Originally opened as the Österreichring in 1969, the circuit has undergone several transformations while preserving its spectacular natural setting. Today, under the ownership of Red Bull GmbH, it has become Austria’s premier motorsport venue, hosting Formula One, MotoGP, endurance racing and numerous manufacturer events.
Its compact layout, outstanding facilities and Alpine scenery have made it one of the world’s most recognisable modern racing destinations.
In Brief
- The circuit originally opened as the Österreichring in 1969.
- It became the A1-Ring in 1996 before reopening as the Red Bull Ring in 2011.
- The layout features only ten corners, making it one of Formula One’s shortest laps.
- Despite its short length, the circuit consistently produces some of the championship’s highest overtaking numbers.
- The original Österreichring was regarded as one of Formula One’s fastest and most intimidating circuits.
History
The circuit first opened in 1969 as the Österreichring, replacing the nearby Zeltweg Airfield Circuit that had briefly hosted Formula One during the 1960s.
The original Österreichring quickly earned a reputation as one of Formula One’s fastest circuits, with sweeping high-speed corners following the natural contours of the Styrian landscape. Safety concerns during the 1980s eventually led to its replacement by a shorter configuration, reopening in 1996 as the A1-Ring.
Following several years without major international racing, the circuit was purchased and extensively redeveloped by Red Bull GmbH. Reopened in 2011 as the Red Bull Ring, it returned to the Formula One World Championship in 2014 with the Austrian Grand Prix.
Today it stands as one of the best-supported events on both the Formula One and MotoGP calendars.
Circuit Design
The Grand Prix circuit measures 4.318 kilometres and features 10 corners arranged in a clockwise direction.
Although relatively short, the circuit makes exceptional use of the surrounding terrain. Long uphill straights culminate in heavy braking zones before flowing downhill through a series of fast, technical corners that demand both precision and commitment.
The first half of the lap emphasises braking and traction, while the second half rewards rhythm, aerodynamic balance and confidence through medium- and high-speed bends.
Its wide racing surface and multiple heavy braking opportunities consistently encourage overtaking, making the Red Bull Ring one of the most competitive venues on the international calendar.
LENGTH
4.326
kilometres
WIDTH
12–13
metres
DIRECTION
CW
clockwise
TURNS
10
3 left – 7 right
SURFACE
Asphalt
LONGEST STRAIGHT
774
metres
ELEVATION CHANGE
67.9
metres
OPENED
1969
57 years ago
Red Bull Ring is defined by its short lap, substantial elevation changes and repeated transitions between heavy braking and rapid acceleration. The steep climb from the opening corner towards Remus creates one of the circuit’s principal overtaking opportunities, where strong braking stability is essential before competitors accelerate again along the elevated section of the circuit.
The character changes through the middle of the lap as the circuit begins its descent. Schlossgold and Rauch introduce faster, more flowing cornering before the downhill sequence through Wurzer and the final two right-handers places increasing emphasis on commitment and accurate positioning. A clean exit from the final corner is particularly important because it immediately determines speed onto the main straight.
Although relatively simple in plan, the Red Bull Ring is difficult to perfect because small losses are magnified across such a short lap. Strong performance requires braking confidence and traction through the uphill sections while preserving momentum and stability through the faster downhill corners, making precision particularly important in both qualifying and racing.
| Corner |
|---|
| T1 · Niki Lauda 077° · Right · 17 m |
| T2 020° · Left · 161 m |
| T3 123° · Right · 26 m |
| T4 · Rauch 119° · Right · 61 m |
| T5 069° · Right · 253 m |
| T6 129° · Left · 177 m |
| T7 115° · Left · 159 m |
| T8 053° · Right · 176 m |
| T9 · Rindt 074° · Right · 114 m |
| T10 071° · Right · 28 m |
The Red Bull Ring represents more than five decades of international motorsport in Spielberg, beginning with the Österreichring and continuing through the A1-Ring and today’s circuit. The venue has hosted the Austrian Grand Prix across several distinct eras, connecting contemporary Formula One directly with one of Europe’s celebrated natural-terrain racing locations.
Its modern identity is closely associated with Red Bull, whose redevelopment returned major international competition to Spielberg. Formula One returned in 2014, while MotoGP followed in 2016, establishing the venue as an important home event for Red Bull’s extensive involvement across automobile and motorcycle motorsport.
Beyond Grand Prix racing, the circuit hosts GT, touring-car, junior single-seater and motorcycle competition, together with testing and driving activities. Its combination of historic Österreichring heritage, modern international racing and strong connection with contemporary motorsport culture makes Spielberg an important meeting point between Austria’s racing history and its continuing presence in global motorsport.
Visitor Experience
The Red Bull Ring offers one of motorsport’s most dramatic spectator settings.
Natural grandstands built into the Styrian hills provide panoramic views across much of the circuit, allowing visitors to follow multiple corners simultaneously. Formula One and MotoGP weekends attract passionate crowds from across Central Europe, creating a vibrant atmosphere enhanced by concerts, fan zones and Red Bull’s extensive hospitality programme.
Away from the circuit, visitors can explore the Alpine scenery of Styria, hiking trails, cycling routes and traditional Austrian villages, making Spielberg an attractive destination beyond race weekends.
Climate
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rainfall mm | Rainy days | Daylight h |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1° | −9° | 46 | 11 | 9.0 |
| February | 2° | −8° | 48 | 11 | 10.3 |
| March | 6° | −4° | 70 | 14 | 11.9 |
| April | 11° | 1° | 89 | 16 | 13.6 |
| May | 16° | 6° | 137 | 19 | 15.1 |
| June | 19° | 9° | 158 | 20 | 15.9 |
| July | 21° | 11° | 157 | 20 | 15.5 |
| August | 21° | 11° | 155 | 18 | 14.2 |
| September | 16° | 7° | 113 | 14 | 12.5 |
| October | 11° | 3° | 89 | 13 | 10.9 |
| November | 6° | −1° | 73 | 12 | 9.4 |
| December | 1° | −7° | 59 | 12 | 8.6 |
Monthly averages for Red Bull Ring, 1991–2020.
Generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information 2026 (CC BY 4.0).
Neither the European Commission nor ECMWF is responsible for any use that may be made of the Copernicus information or data it contains.
Location
The Red Bull Ring is located near Spielberg in the Austrian state of Styria, approximately 85 kilometres west of Graz.
Surrounded by forests and mountains, the circuit enjoys one of the most scenic settings in international motorsport.
Address
1 Red Bull Ring Straße
8724 Spielberg
Murtal, Steiermark
Austria
Website