PlanYourAustrianGrand Prix

Since being transformed on the drawing board of Herman Tilke, the stage for the Austrian Grand Prix has not only kept much of its character derived from the surrounding countryside, but it has that quality that every good Tilke design has in common: it lets the spectator enjoy views of multiple sections of the circuit from one of numerous vantage points.

At the Austrian GP there are a number of grandstands with views of the starting grid and so the main grandstand at the Red Bull Ring is perhaps harder to recommend than it might otherwise be.

However, blocks on either end of the stand (A, B, C, O, P, Q) offer something more than the standard main straight view, at least for fans in the upper rows. Here, where the pit building isn’t blocking the view it’s possible to see parts of the straight between turns 2 and 3 and the infield section (though admittedly at quite a distance). 

As for other sections, if views of the pits are what you are looking for then look no further but otherwise there are more enticing views at the Ring.

Spectators in the South West Grandstand, otherwise known as Steirmark experience dramatic views from a unique spot on the circuit. On the outside of the 90 degree first corner the grandstand is ideally placed to see follow the action down the main start/finish straight, as well as the straight that leads to turn 2.

Watching the start from here is electric – you’ll see the lights go out, and a whole field of F1 cars squeeze into the tight turn 1. You’ll also be close to the pitlane exit and have a distant view of some pitstops.

A dedicated catering area behind the grandstand means you can refuel and not have to take your eyes off the track for a moment. 

Tip: for the best spectator experience avoid blocks A and E. If buying from the retailers listed here you can message them with your request and as long as there’s availability they’ll get you the better seats.

The most popular grandstand at the Red Bull Ring and it’s easy to see why, the Red Bull Grandstand lines the straight between turn 1 and 2 – one of the most action packed sections of track, where overtaking is most common. 

With DRS along the main straight and again between turns 1 and 2 drivers gain ground towards the first corner to have a shot at passing here, or as is more often the case, get a good run out of the first corner to complete the job along the second straight or into turn 2. 

There is also a more distant but perfectly enjoyable view of the interior of the circuit between turns 3 and 6 before cars disappear towards the penultimate corner. The action is partially obstructed for parts of this section by grassy banks, but for such brief a time that you still get a sense of being able to follow the racing for its entirety.

The scene is framed by magnificent local landscape and the ‘Bull of Spielberg’ statue that has become iconic since the circuit’s return. The cherry on the cake is some well placed giant screens opposite the grandstand which ensure you’ll never miss a beat.

The long grandstand feels more like several different grandstands all of which are good but with differing views depending on which section you’re in and some which are much better than others.

The view from block A of the Red Bull Ring can’t fail to impress even the most hard to please F1 fans. There simply aren’t enough superlatives do it it justice; not only do fans seated here have a view over the awesome turn 1 to turn 2 section and infield but also look down on the main straight and the grid. 

This feels about as close as is possible to get to seeing the whole circuit from one vantage point, and until Red Bull delivers on its promise to give us wings this will do very nicely indeed. 

From section B you’ll have a distant view of part of the main straight and the view of turn 1 is just about as good as neighboring section A. It’s not as good as it gets but its a strong choice that won’t disappoint.  

The further you get from turn 1 the less appealing the view gets so though being in block C is perfectly okay, especially given the lower price tag, views from block E are less so. Booking early and requesting seats in block C is advisable.

Sections F to K are near the mid-point of the straight. That means your view of the corners is remote (in fact not visible at all in the case of turn 1 for most of these blocks) and any overtaking you get to see will be either at a distance or on the straight. Though this is still a great view it’s weaker than other sections of the grandstand.

If the cost of section A or B tickets are making your eyes water choosing lower priced blocks L to P might be a better option than the middling middle section.

Sections L, M, N, O and P offer really good value for what is a bargain bin price tag (in F1 ticket terms at least).

While you won’t see turn 1 from here due to some elevation changes and the straight not being very, well, straight, you will be closer to turn 2 and your view of the infield section is just as good as any other section of the Red Bull stand. 

The North (Turn 3) Grandstand is perched on the outside of turn 3 with head on views directly up the back straight. Its one of the more common overtaking areas on the track owing one of the circuit’s 2 DRS zones here. The backdrop is classic Austrian Grand Prix stuff, with the surrounding mountains and trees and to the left the Red Bull sculpture.

There is only one corner in sight but easy access to the adjacent general admission area makes up for this if you feel like a change of scenery.

The Mitte Grandstand between turns 5 and 6 is a long established favourite at the Austrian Grand Prix.

You couldn’t be disappointed by the views here; cars skirt around the grandstand in close proximity while beyond this there are views of the straight between turns 2 and 3 and the epic, uphill turn 3 is visible.

With the huge Red Bull grandstand directly opposite, this area of the circuit is a perfect balance of atmosphere and track views, and ticket prices are usually somewhere on the good end of reasonable.

The T10 Grandstand occupies a position on the exterior of the track beside the circuit’s final corner. Its one of the cheapest grandstands at the Red Bull Ring but still offers fantastic views to spectators.

Its not a regular overtaking spot but the medium speed turn 10 is a crucial corner for the drivers to get the power down early and maintain momentum onto the pit straight. Here you can watch them take as much curb as they dare on the exit without exceeding the track limits and shaking their cars to bits. The time to be sat here is for Friday practice sessions as drivers explore the limits through here.

Where the T10 grandstand falls short is its surroundings. If you’ve come to bask in the gloriousness of the Styrian mountain scenery which creates such a unique and memorable backdrop to so many track views at the Ring, this place will be a bit of a disappointment.

If you can, this is best experienced as a one of a multi-grandstand ticket, rather than being stuck here for the whole weekend.

The Austrian Grand Prix is such a special setting that there’s a lot to be said just for being there and taking in the atmosphere and sound of F1 cars, rebounding off the surrounding hills.

General admission offers exactly that at the lowest price point, and allows access to the elevated banking that stretches along the back straight of the circuit.

Large screens are plentiful so you won’t feel out of the loop and if you get bored where you are there’s always a fresh view not far away. Bring good sturdy walking shoes for scrambling up those grassy banks and something to sit on.