The Grandstands of the Austrian F1® Grand Prix: A Complete Guide

The Austrian Grand Prix, held at the stunning Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, is one of the most visually spectacular and action-packed events on the Formula 1® calendar. Surrounded by the Styrian Alps, the circuit provides fans with a variety of grandstands, each offering a different view and race-day atmosphere. Whether you’re seeking overtaking zones, pit lane drama, or sweeping panoramas of the track, this guide will help you choose the best seat for your F1® experience.

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Overview of the Red Bull Ring

The Red Bull Ring is a 4.31 km (2.68 miles) circuit that delivers 71 laps of high-speed racing, strategic challenges, and picturesque scenery. With long straights, tight corners, and significant elevation changes, it offers ample opportunities for overtaking and wheel-to-wheel action. The circuit’s compact layout ensures fans have excellent visibility from nearly every seat, while its location near Graz and easy access from Vienna make it a popular destination for international fans.

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Red Bull Grandstand

The Red Bull Grandstand is the largest seating area at the Red Bull Ring, stretching from the exit of Turn 1 up the hill to Turn 3. It’s one of the most dynamic spots to witness the action, with fantastic views of cars accelerating out of Turn 1, activating DRS, and battling uphill into one of the most popular overtaking zones at Turn 3. This grandstand is also adjacent to the F1® Fanzone, giving fans easy access to entertainment, team activations, merchandise stalls, and food vendors.

Schönberg Grandstand

Positioned along the downhill straight following Turn 4, the Schönberg Grandstand offers a thrilling perspective of F1® cars racing at full throttle. This section of the track is all about speed and acceleration, with drivers often going side-by-side as they charge downhill. If you’re looking for a spot where you can feel the raw power of modern Formula 1® machinery, this grandstand is a fantastic choice.

T3 Grandstand

Overlooking the tight, uphill hairpin of Turn 3, the T3 Grandstand is a favorite for fans who love wheel-to-wheel racing and overtaking action. Its elevated location provides a wide, sweeping view of the circuit, allowing spectators to track battles as they develop. This corner is a magnet for drama, with famous moments such as the 2016 collision between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg occurring right here. It’s a classic spot for decisive moves and high-stakes encounters.

T8 Grandstand

Located in the infield section of the Red Bull Ring, the T8 Grandstand offers a more technical perspective of the race. Added in 2022 to meet increasing demand, it gives fans a close-up view of drivers as they navigate one of the more complex portions of the track—perfect for qualifying sessions where every fraction of a second counts. The location provides a great contrast to the high-speed zones, showcasing the precision and finesse required at this level of motorsport.

T9–T10 Grandstands

At the tail end of the lap, the T9 and T10 Grandstands deliver two distinct perspectives on the final moments of each circuit. T9 sits closer to the corner entry, where fans can see drivers testing the limits of grip as they approach the conclusion of the lap. T10, on the other hand, overlooks the start/finish straight and pit entry, making it a prime location to witness race starts, finishes, and strategic pit stops. Both grandstands offer dramatic views, especially during final-lap battles.

Start-Ziel Grandstand

The only covered seating area at the Red Bull Ring, the Start-Ziel Grandstand provides shelter from the elements while offering premium views of the grid, pit lane, and race start. It’s the ideal place for fans who enjoy the thrill of seeing cars launch off the line and experience the chaos of the first few corners. Positioned right opposite the pit boxes, this grandstand also gives insight into the strategic heart of the race. A bonus feature is the media center above, which is uniquely shaped like the rear wing of an F1® car.

Steiermark Grandstand

Facing directly onto Turn 1, the Steiermark Grandstand is perfect for catching the most dramatic moments of the opening lap and tracking first-corner overtakes. Its proximity to the pit exit allows spectators to observe how different strategies unfold, especially when drivers rejoin the race after a stop. Conveniently located near one of the main entrances and the F1® Fanzone, it offers both great accessibility and a balanced viewing experience.

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Choosing the Right Grandstand

Each grandstand at the Red Bull Ring offers something unique. If you’re chasing overtaking action, T3 and the Red Bull Grandstand are top picks. For dramatic finishes or pit lane strategy, head to T9–T10 or Start-Ziel. High-speed lovers will appreciate the Schönberg and T8 Grandstands, while those seeking a bit of everything will find the Steiermark Grandstand to be the ideal compromise. No matter where you sit, the Austrian Grand Prix promises breathtaking views and unforgettable racing.