F1 TV: Five Drivers to Watch at the Austrian Grand Prix
It’s not every day that you get to live one of your all-time dreams. For me, standing trackside at the Austrian Grand Prix, inhaling the unmistakable aroma of burned rubber and fuel, felt like crossing off a bucket list item. My name is Mohit, and as a motorsports enthusiast, I’ve always followed Formula 1 with unwavering passion. But watching it on F1 TV from the comfort of home is one thing—being there in person is a whole different universe.
On my recent trip to Spielberg, Austria, the Red Bull Ring came alive with a fervor that can only come from Formula 1, a sensation somehow amplified when you’re there in the flesh.
The energy of the crowd, the rumble of engines, and the sheer artistry of the world’s fastest drivers provided an environment unlike anything I’ve experienced before.
If there’s one thing I took away from this unforgettable experience, it’s that a handful of drivers currently sit at the center of this season’s most thrilling narratives.
Whether you’re watching on F1 TV or lucky enough to attend in person,
here are five drivers that not only stole the show but are must-watch competitors as we push deeper into the season.
1. Max Verstappen – The King of Red Bull Ring
Standing in the Red Bull Ring, you can’t help but feel Max Verstappen’s home-turf advantage from the moment you arrive. The massive sea of orange-clad Dutch fans, waving their flags and sporting his #33, is both relentless and electrifying. It reminded me that Max doesn’t just race here; he commands the circuit as though it were built for him. Watching him through practice, qualifying, and the race itself, you get the sense of a man who is not only skilled but also supremely confident in his craft.
What amazed me most was the precision with which Verstappen tackled even the tightest corners. From where I stood near Turn 3—a hairpin that demands incredible technical finesse—the control he wielded over his car was nothing short of mesmerizing. Each lap, it felt like he found something extra, something more, that no other driver could unlock. It’s no wonder he’s seen as the favorite both at the Austrian GP and on F1 TV streams globally.
His dominance is almost unsettling, but there’s also beauty in witnessing someone this attuned to their machine. If you’re tuning in on F1 TV, Max Verstappen is the gold standard of what peak Formula 1 looks like.
2. Charles Leclerc – Ferrari’s Hope for Redemption
Ferrari fans, often clad in a striking red, brought their A-game to Austria, and their faith in Charles Leclerc was palpable. Last season hadn’t exactly gone Ferrari’s way, but the tifosi were there in full voice, daring to believe this would be the weekend of redemption. Watching Charles during qualifying, the stakes felt personal. From my vantage point in the grandstand, you could see the intensity on his face as he entered the cockpit—almost as if the entire history of Ferrari weighed on him.
Leclerc’s driving style is markedly different from Verstappen’s. Where Max is pure force and dominance, Charles has an elegance to his racecraft. But what stood out that weekend was his grit. During one particularly intense battle for position, I saw him go wheel-to-wheel with Sergio Pérez in a display of bravery that brought the crowd to its feet. Even watching that moment replayed later on F1 TV offered no less excitement. He wasn’t just racing for points; he was racing to reestablish the legacy of one of motorsport’s most iconic teams.
Ferrari fans in the U.S., if you’re hoping for a driver worth rooting for as you watch on F1 TV, Leclerc is your man. His determination and skill make him a force to be reckoned with this season.
3. Lewis Hamilton – The Veteran with Something to Prove
Though the Red Bull Ring isn’t historically Mercedes’ best circuit, Lewis Hamilton’s grace under pressure makes him an essential watch on any track. Seeing him in Spielberg wasn’t just watching a race; it felt like watching history in motion. The seven-time world champion’s fan base was well-represented at the event, their cheers a constant reminder that no matter where in the world he races, Hamilton is a global icon.
What struck me was his ability to extract every ounce of performance from a car that, this season, hasn’t always given him what he deserves. From the grandstand, his fight for position looked like a meticulous chess match. He approached every overtake with a level of calculation and patience that only comes with years of experience.
For those of us watching on F1 TV, Hamilton’s battles with younger drivers like Verstappen and Leclerc are a sight to behold. Despite being in the twilight of his career, he proves time and again why he remains one of the sport’s all-time greats.
4. Sergio Pérez – The Master Strategist
It’s hard to talk about Verstappen’s dominance without mentioning his Red Bull teammate, Sergio Pérez. Checo, as he’s affectionately known, is undoubtedly one of the most strategic drivers on the grid. At the Austrian GP, I noticed how he excels in playing the long game. While Verstappen often steals the limelight with pure speed, Pérez’s strength lies in his ability to manage tires, execute strategic pit stops, and fight through the midfield when necessary.
During the race, I had the perfect view of his charge through the grid. Checo’s late-race overtakes, particularly when he passed Carlos Sainz in Turn 6, showcased his expert understanding of positioning and track dynamics. Later, I replayed those scenes on F1 TV, and it was even more impressive with the onboard footage showing just how tight the margins were.
Pérez isn’t just Verstappen’s “Number 2.” He’s a driver who can turn the tide of any race with his smarts and cool-headed approach. For those tuning in on F1 TV, don’t overlook this silent but lethal contender.
5. Lando Norris – The Rising Star
No driver garnered the same level of universal affection that Lando Norris did. Whether it was his devil-may-care attitude during the press conference or his cheeky waves to fans during the parade lap, Lando has carved out a unique space for himself. His ability to connect with fans, across continents and demographics, is part of what makes him so beloved—especially for the U.S. audience streaming on F1 TV.
From a racing perspective, Norris is a revelation. McLaren may not have the fastest car on the grid, but Lando makes the most of every opportunity. At the Austrian GP, that often meant pulling off daring moves in sectors where overtaking is notoriously difficult. Watching him push his car to the brink in Sector 2, where speeds climb but errors are punished mercilessly, earned audible gasps from the crowd.
For Americans, Lando represents the future of F1. Bright, talented, and approachable, he’s the kind of driver who ensures the sport’s continued growth across the pond.
The Atmosphere That Makes It All Special
Beyond the drivers, what stuck with me most about the Austrian Grand Prix was the atmosphere. The Red Bull Ring is nestled in the lush Styrian hills, which are a sight worth traveling for on their own. Being there in person, you appreciate the enormity of Formula 1 as a live event. The chants, the music, the food stalls serving schnitzels and sausages—it all adds to an experience that transcends the race itself.
Back home in the U.S., I know many fans experience F1 through F1 TV. And while the streaming service is incredible in its depth—bringing you onboard cameras, team radios, and live timing—nothing compares to the heart-stopping sound of an F1 car screaming past you at over 200 mph. If you love Formula 1, getting to a race in person is a once-in-a-lifetime event. But until then, F1 TV is your window into this fast-paced, high-stakes world.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on my time at the Austrian GP, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunity to witness this spectacle firsthand. The mix of skill, speed, and strategy that these five drivers brought to the table made it a weekend I’ll never forget. Whether you’re cheering Verstappen’s dominance, rooting for Ferrari’s comeback, or falling for the charm of Lando Norris, there’s never been a better time to be an F1 fan.
For my fellow Americans tuning in via F1 TV, these are the drivers to keep your eyes on as the season continues. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll cheer for an American taking their place among F1’s elite. Until then, the road ahead promises plenty of excitement. Buckle in.
