WEEKEND WARM-UP: F1’s title fight looks set to heat up even more as the paddock assembles in Austria

Formula 1 heads back to Europe this weekend as the paddock sets up at the Red Bull Ring for the Austrian Grand Prix, with the race for the world title showing no signs of slowing down...

George Russell took Mercedes’ first win of the season with a confident display last time out in Canada, meaning the Silver Arrows joined Red Bull and McLaren in the 2025 winners’ circle.

Could that help bring the British driver into championship contention alongside Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri? And how has it affected his chances of putting pen to paper on a new contract?

There will be plenty of eyes on the aforementioned Norris and Piastri around the tight, twisty Spielberg venue after their dramatic Montreal clash, while Verstappen has form at Red Bull’s home track and is eager to trim the McLaren pair’s advantage once more.

Elsewhere, will upgrades bring Ferrari back into the mix? Or can a midfield team/driver combination spring a surprise in what is usually one of the tightest Qualifying sessions of the campaign.

Join Nicki Shields, Alex Brundle, Davide Valsecchi and Lawrence Barretto as they run through all the latest news and talking points ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.