Austrian Grand Prix preview sees Hamilton, Ferrari upgrades and rookie Beganovic in practice

The Formula 1 calendar returns to the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the Austrian Grand Prix, a short 4.3‑km circuit that attracts thousands of Slovak fans due to its proximity to Bratislava. The track’s long straights and technical second half promise intense battles, with Max Verstappen listed among the favourites after his strong record at the venue.

Pre‑race analysis notes that Lewis Hamilton will aim to build on his Barcelona win, while Ferrari is expected to introduce modest engine performance upgrades. Mercedes teams are dealing with battery issues, and McLaren remains competitive after recent podiums.

In a side story, 20‑year‑old Bosnian‑Swedish driver Dino Beganović will replace Charles Leclerc in Friday’s first practice session, after impressing by standing in for Hamilton in Barcelona. Beganović’s participation gives Ferrari a potential morale boost and reduces Leclerc’s track‑time ahead of qualifying.