Pedro de la Rosa on threading the needle in Austria, AMR25 updates and the team's new Driver Academy
A scenic circuit nestled in the foothills of the Styrian mountains, the Red Bull Ring plays host to round 11 of the season.
Threading the eye of the needle at more than 300km/h is something Team Ambassador Pedro de la Rosa is well versed in, having competed in more than 100 Grands Prix – four of them at the Red Bull Ring – and driven more than 65,000 test miles in F1 machinery.
Ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix, he discusses the unique demands of the Ring, revealing why the smallest of mistakes can ruin Qualifying and where the best place to overtake is, before reflecting on the team's recent results and the launch of our Driver Academy.
What's the most challenging aspect of the Austrian Grand Prix?
"Because of how few corners there are, the Red Bull Ring is the sort of circuit where one small mistake can ruin your Qualifying.
"Traffic management is another big challenge, particularly in Q1 because of the number of cars in a very small area. You see a lot of cars waiting in the final two corners to create a gap for a flying lap, but there's always a chance a pushing car will come through."
Track limits are also a key consideration in Austria. How does the team contend with that?
"Staying within track limits is a team effort. In Free Practice it is very important for the team to give the drivers information about track limits and where they're exceeding them so they know before Qualifying, because the FIA doesn't police them until then.
"The drivers have to be so precise but in modern Formula One the cars are so big, you can barely see the tyres, so it is very difficult to know if you have exceeded track limits or not when you're flat out."
Where are the biggest overtaking opportunities?
"Turn Three is a great corner for overtaking. There's big elevation which allows you to brake very late and the compression plus the braking and the g-forces gives you a nice sensation in the cockpit.
"A defending driver will typically cover the inside line into Turn Three but then they will have compromised speed on exit and therefore, if you keep cool and keep a wide line on entry, you're faster on exit to go past."
What was your favourite section of the track to drive?
"Turns Six and Seven are two high-speed, left-handed corners that come in quick succession. The first has a blind entry and has negative camber so the car tends to understeer. As soon as you exit that corner, you're already attacking the next one. It's a very exciting section of the circuit."
How do you assess the team's form in recent Grands Prix?
"Since we introduced our update package at Imola we've had at least one car in every Q3 session, which is positive. Obviously, we want more than that and the team is working flat out to extract more performance from the AMR25.
"After four races at four very different tracks, I think it's fair to say that we've made some progress and understand the car a bit better now."
The team has announced a new Driver Academy, with your compatriot Mari Boya the first to join its ranks. What's your immediate reaction to the launch of the programme?
"There are some fantastic young racers coming through the junior ranks, all with the dream of getting to Formula One. Being part of some of these drivers' journeys is something we should be proud of.
"It's great to see Mari, a fellow Spaniard, join our Driver Academy. He's got lots of potential and I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses."
